Dot Matrix Printer Noise Reduction via Dynamic Closing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dot matrix printers used in banks and forwarding agencies for printing passbooks and receipts generate significant noise, which escapes through the input opening, making the handling of the printer annoying for operators despite insulation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A closing unit is introduced that partially or completely closes the gap in the print mode to shield the printing unit, reducing noise pollution by moving between open and closed positions, and is mechanically coupled to the counter-pressure element or print head, allowing for automatic operation without additional drive units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gap is kept open to allow material feeding, then the feeding process is unimpeded, but noise escapes through the input opening making handling annoying
Solution Approach 1:
The closing unit is designed to be movable between an open position during feeding and a closed position during printing. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its noise shielding capability based on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between maintaining an open gap for feeding and closing it to reduce noise during printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The closing unit is mechanically coupled to the printing unit or counter-pressure element, allowing it to move automatically between open and closed positions based on the operational state. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for additional drive units while ensuring the gap is closed during printing to reduce noise and opened during feeding to allow material passage
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the gap is closed to reduce noise pollution, then noise emission is minimized, but the feeding of printing material is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The closing unit transitions dynamically between closed and open states based on operational requirements. During printing operations, it closes the gap to minimize noise emission. During feeding operations, it opens to allow printing material to pass through unimpeded, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and feeding efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The closing unit operates periodically, alternating between closed positions during printing phases and open positions during feeding phases. This periodic action ensures that noise is reduced when printing occurs while material feeding remains unimpeded when required, addressing both contradictory requirements
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a closing unit is added to reduce noise, then noise pollution is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing unit is mechanically integrated with existing components such as the printing unit or counter-pressure element. This merging approach allows the closing unit to be actuated by the same mechanical movements that drive the printing or feeding operations, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while still achieving noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The closing unit is designed to move automatically based on the operational state of the printing press, utilizing the existing mechanical movements of the printing unit or counter-pressure element. This self-actuating design avoids the need for additional motors, sensors, or control systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving effective noise shielding
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dot matrix printer (10) which comprises a printing unit (12) for printing a printing material and a feed area (20) for feeding the printing material to the printing unit (12). In the feed area (20) a gap (26) is formed through which the printing material is transported. In a print mode, the printing unit (12) prints the printing material, whereas in a feed mode the printing material can be fed from the feed area (20) to the printing unit (12) and the printing material is not printed. Further, the dot matrix printer (10) comprises a closing unit (32) which at least partially closes the gap (26) in the print mode.