Removable Strap Attachment for Portable Printer Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable printers often have unnecessary space consumption due to fixed strap and hook portions that are not used when the device is placed on a surface, as these components are designed for carrying but occupy space when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A printer design featuring a removable attachment member and battery accommodation system, where the attachment member can be mounted to the printer for carrying and easily removed when the printer is placed on a surface, allowing for space-saving and cost reduction by eliminating unnecessary components when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed strap and hook portion are integrated into the printer housing, then the printer can be carried on the shoulder or neck, but the strap and hook portion occupy needless installation space when the printer is placed on a surface without being carried

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrying capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member is separated from the main printer housing into a distinct, removable component. The housing includes a dedicated attachment member receptacle that receives the attachment member, allowing it to be mounted only when needed for carrying. This segmentation enables the printer to have carrying capability when required while eliminating permanent occupation of installation space when the attachment member is removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment member transitions from a fixed, permanent component to a dynamic, removable component. It can be mounted to the housing when carrying is needed and removed when the printer is placed on a surface. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between two states: carrying mode with the attachment member installed, and surface-placed mode with the attachment member removed, thereby resolving the space occupation issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If a removable attachment member is used instead of a fixed strap, then space is saved when the printer is placed on a surface, but the device complexity increases due to the mounting and removal mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidmounting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function is segmented into a separate, removable attachment member that interfaces with a receptacle on the housing. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by allowing the attachment member to be a standalone component with a straightforward mounting interface, rather than integrating a complex fixed mechanism into the housing. The mounting and removal process becomes a simple matter of placing the attachment member into or out of the receptacle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment member receptacle is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate the attachment member when needed and remain empty when not needed. This universal receptacle design simplifies the mounting mechanism by providing a single, standardized interface for attachment and removal, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be required for multiple specialized mounting points or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3549775B1printer
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 SEIKO INSTR INC
  • EP3549775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3549775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3549775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printer (1) for printing information on a recording sheet (PI), includes: a housing (3) configured to accommodate the recording sheet (PI) and a printing portion (6); an attachment member (50), which is removably mounted to the housing (3), and has a hook hole (85) for a strap. A portion of the housing (3), to which the attachment member (50) is mounted, and the attachment member (50) form a rotation regulating portion (95, 96) configured to regulate rotation of the attachment member (50).