Printer Pivotable Chute Assembly for Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers are difficult to access for service due to their compact construction, making it challenging for users to clear jams and replace internal components like ink cartridges and cutting blades, which are often obstructed and hard to navigate.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable chute assembly that moves to provide improved access to internal components, automatically shifting to block cutting blades during service and returning to a print position when the door is closed, ensuring safe operation and preventing jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the printer is constructed with compact components packed tightly together, then the total size and profile of the printer is reduced, but access to internal components for service becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The chute assembly is designed as a movable structure that can pivot between a first position during printing operations and a second position during servicing. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same compact structure to serve dual purposes: maintaining small footprint during operation while providing access to internal components when needed for maintenance or jam clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute assembly is divided into multiple parts that can move independently or in combination. The lower chute part and upper chute part can be separated and repositioned, allowing selective access to different internal components such as the cutting assembly or ejection roller while maintaining the overall compact form factor of the printer.
2Ease of repair
If the chute assembly is made movable to provide access to internal components, then ease of service is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable chute assembly is integrated with the printer's existing frame structure and door mechanism. The chute parts are coupled to the frame and to each other through pivot connections that utilize the door's movement, combining the chute assembly's reconfiguration need with the door's opening/closing action to reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute assembly is designed to automatically return to its first printing position when the door is closed, eliminating the need for manual repositioning by the user. This self-returning mechanism reduces operational complexity and ensures the printer is ready for the next printing operation without requiring additional user steps.
3Extent of automation
If the chute parts are coupled to move together, then automation of position return is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chute assembly parts are pre-configured with pivot connections and coupling mechanisms that automatically engage in the correct positions when the door is closed. The design incorporates guide surfaces and mechanical interlocks that ensure proper alignment and positioning without requiring high-precision manual assembly or complex active control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer is disclosed that has a frame and a chute assembly received within the frame in which the chute assembly is pivotable relative to the frame. The chute assembly includes a lower chute part and an upper chute part. The lower chute part is pivotable about a first axis in which the first axis is fixed relative to the frame. The upper chute part is pivotally coupled to the lower chute part and is pivotable about a second axis that is fixed relative to the lower chute part. The lower chute part and the upper chute part are coupled to one another such that, when the upper chute part pivots about the second axis relative to the lower chute part, the lower chute part automatically pivots about the first axis.