Multi-function printer rotatable cover for maintenance access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-function printers face reduced user convenience during maintenance due to the scanner unit being disposed vertically above the printer unit, which interferes with maintenance accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The multi-function printer design includes a first transport roller for the paper feeding and discharging path, a second transport roller for the printing medium, a reading unit, and controllers to manage these components, with the transport rollers and reading unit positioned downstream from the printing unit, allowing for a roll support section and drawer unit that can move, and a rotatable cover to enhance maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the scanner unit is disposed vertically above the printer unit, then the compact design is achieved, but the user convenience during maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cover rotatable rather than fixed. The cover can rotate between a closed position (providing compact design) and an open position (providing maintenance access). This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to serve multiple functions: maintaining compact form factor during normal operation while enabling easy maintenance access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: a printer unit, a scanner unit, and a rotatable cover assembly. This segmentation allows independent access to each module for maintenance purposes. The cover can be rotated to expose the printer unit while leaving the scanner unit accessible through other means, enabling targeted maintenance without requiring complete disassembly.
2Reliability
If the reading unit is positioned vertically above the printing unit, then the feed discharge paths are ensured without interference, but the maintenance convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cover enables dynamic access to the printer unit while maintaining the vertical stacking arrangement for reliable feed discharge paths. When maintenance is needed, the cover rotates to provide access without requiring changes to the underlying path configuration, thus maintaining both path reliability and maintenance convenience.
3Ease of repair
If the cover is made rotatable, then the maintenance access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover mechanism uses a simple rotation joint rather than complex multi-axis movements or automated systems. This single-degree-of-freedom rotation provides adequate maintenance access while minimizing the complexity of the mechanism. The rotational movement is straightforward to implement and control compared to more complex dynamic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is segmented as a separate, independently rotating component rather than being integrated into the main device housing. This segmentation allows the cover to be designed and manufactured as a simple rotational element, reducing overall device complexity while still providing the desired maintenance access functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multi-function printer including a driving roller provided in a read transport path including a paper feeding port and a paper discharging port, the driving roller being configured to transport paper, another driving roller provided in a transport path, the other driving roller being configured to transport paper, a reading unit configured to read a surface of the paper transported by the driving roller, a printing unit configured to perform printing onto the paper being transported by the other driving roller, a read controller configured to control the driving roller and the reading unit, and a print controller configured to control the other driving roller and the printing unit. The driving roller, the paper feeding port, the paper discharging port, and the reading unit are disposed in a downstream of the printing unit in a transport direction at a position of printing by the printing unit.