Printer Automatic Opening Mechanism Height Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses with automatic opening mechanisms for paper discharge trays face challenges in suppressing the increase in apparatus size without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus incorporates an automatic opening mechanism with a lever that releases the closed state of the opening/closing cover, overlapping the discharge opening region of the discharge portion in the height direction, thereby minimizing the apparatus's height and overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an automatic opening mechanism is provided for the paper discharge tray, then the functionality of automatic opening is improved, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic opening mechanism is arranged to overlap the discharge opening region in the height direction, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space. This dimensional repositioning allows the mechanism to be integrated within the existing apparatus footprint, preventing increase in overall apparatus size while maintaining the automatic opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic opening mechanism is nested within the discharge portion structure, specifically overlapping the discharge opening region. This nesting approach allows the mechanism to be housed within the existing apparatus volume, avoiding additional external space requirements while providing the automatic opening capability.
2Length of stationary object
If the automatic opening mechanism is arranged to overlap the discharge opening region, then the apparatus size is suppressed, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge portion structure serves multiple functions: it discharges printed media and simultaneously houses the automatic opening mechanism. By making the discharge portion multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated space for the opening mechanism, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the overlapping arrangement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively suppresses the increase in size of the printing apparatus in the height direction, enhancing space efficiency while maintaining the functionality of the automatic opening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a lever for releasing maintenance of a closed state of the opening/closing cover by movement of the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes an automatic opening mechanism for an opening/closing cover, a carriage that has a print head configured to perform printing on a medium and that moves in a direction intersecting a transport direction of the medium, and a discharge portion that is exposed in a state in which the opening/closing cover is opened and that discharges a printed material. The automatic opening mechanism includes a lever for releasing maintenance of a closed state of the opening/closing cover by movement of the carriage. The discharge portion discharges the printed material outside the apparatus. The automatic opening mechanism is arranged so as to overlap a discharge opening region of the discharge portion in a height direction.