Printer Selector Pin and Cam Mechanism for Single Motor Function Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carriage printers require multiple motors for various functions, which increases cost and complexity, while existing selector mechanisms can only engage functions when the carriage is parked at the maintenance station, failing to accommodate different paper advancing operations after the carriage has moved away.
Innovation Solution
A selector pin and cam member mechanism that allows selective engagement of multiple printer functions using a single motor, enabling different operational modes even after the carriage has moved away by utilizing a cam assembly with multiple cam paths and a spring-loaded selector pin to rotate and position the selector pin appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate motor is dedicated to each printer function, then the reliability and performance of each function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single motor system that can perform multiple printer functions through a selector mechanism. The motor is coupled with a selector pin and cam member assembly that enables the same motor to selectively engage different functions (maintenance station operations, paper advance, carriage motion) based on operational mode, thereby reducing the total number of motors while maintaining functional reliability
2Device complexity
If a single motor is used to drive multiple printer functions, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to operate different functions selectively and simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a selector pin that can be positioned in different slots along a cam member, allowing the motor's power transmission path to be dynamically changed. This enables the single motor to selectively engage different functions (maintenance, paper advance, carriage motion) based on the selector pin position, providing adaptability and versatility without requiring multiple dedicated motors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the selector pin and cam member assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the single motor and the various printer functions. This intermediary system translates the motor's rotation into selective engagement of different functions by routing power transmission through different paths based on selector pin position, thereby enabling versatile function selection with a single motor
3Ease of manufacture
If existing selector mechanisms are used that only engage functions when the carriage is parked at the maintenance station, then the maintenance functions can be powered by the paper advance motor, but the mechanism cannot accommodate different paper advancing operations after the carriage has moved away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cam member into multiple distinct cam paths, each corresponding to a different operational mode (maintenance mode, paper advance mode, carriage motion mode). The selector pin can be positioned in different slots along these segmented cam paths, allowing the system to select among multiple functions beyond just maintenance operations, thereby enhancing operational mode flexibility while maintaining ease of power transmission engagement
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
Enables efficient operation of different printer functions, such as paper advancing, deskewing, and photo tray movement, using a single motor, allowing for flexible power transmission engagements and reducing the need for additional motors, thereby lowering costs and enhancing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A selector pin and cam member mechanism that allows selective engagement of multiple printer functions using a single motor, enabling different operational modes even after the carriage has moved away by utilizing a cam assembly with multiple cam paths and a spring-loaded selector pin to rotate and position the selector pin appropriately.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method of driving multiple printer functions using the same motor is provided. The method includes providing a motor; providing a selector pin (142); providing a cam member assembly (110) including a cam member (111) including a plurality of paths (112, 113, 114), each path corresponding to a printer function; and relatively moving the cam member and the selector pin through the plurality of paths to selectively permit the motor to drive the corresponding printer function.