Ink-jet Printer Sheet Discharge Inversion and Tube Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet printers discharge sheets backward, making it difficult for users to retrieve them and complicating the arrangement of ink tubes due to the narrow front portion of the casing, which limits the printer's size and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a tray, a recording section with a carriage and nozzle for discharging ink droplets, a reservoir, and guide members that allow sheet discharge from the rear to the front, enabling easier sheet retrieval and tube arrangement without increasing the printer's size by utilizing a tray and inclined loading section to guide the sheet and tube through a specified space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheet is discharged rearward (backward) from the front portion of the casing, then the discharge section can be arranged at the rear side, but the user cannot easily take out the sheet and the tube arrangement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional discharge direction by discharging the sheet from the rear side toward the front side, opposite to the typical frontward discharge. This inversion allows the discharge section to be positioned at the rear while the leading end of the sheet emerges at the front, making it easy for users to retrieve sheets. Simultaneously, this configuration creates a specified space at the front side of the recording section where the tube can be arranged without increasing the overall printer size.
2Shape
If the front portion of the casing is made narrow to accommodate the inclined support surface, then the discharge opening can be positioned at the front, but the tube arrangement becomes difficult and the casing size must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the up-down dimension by positioning the loading section above the recording section with an inclined portion that slopes upward toward the front. This vertical arrangement creates a specified three-dimensional space at the front side of the recording section, allowing the tube to be arranged in the vertical direction rather than horizontally constrained. This dimensional approach enables compact casing design without increasing overall volume.
3Ease of operation
If the discharge section is arranged at the rear side, then the sheet can be discharged toward the front, but the loading section must be positioned above the recording section increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inclined portion as an intermediary element between the discharge section at the rear and the loading section above the recording section. This inclined portion serves as a mediator that guides the sheet from the rear discharge opening upward and forward to the loading section. By providing this intermediate guiding structure, the patent simplifies the overall configuration compared to direct vertical or horizontal positioning, enabling smooth sheet transfer while maintaining compact design.
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 allows for easy sheet removal and tube arrangement without enlarging the printer, enhancing user convenience and maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined portion at the rear side of the recording section, the inclined portion being inclined upward toward the front side of the discharge section
Implementation Method 2
a first guide member arranged at the front side of the recording section and including a first curved surface configured to guide the first surface of the sheet
Implementation Method 3
a head carried on the carriage and including a nozzle configured to discharge an ink droplet
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an ink-jet printer, including: a tray; a recording section including a carriage and a head; a reservoir; a tube; a platen; a first guide member arranged at a front side of the recording section in a front-rear direction and having a first curved surface configured to guide a first surface of the sheet; a discharge section configured to discharge the sheet from a rear side toward the front side in the front-rear direction, the discharge section being arranged at the rear side of the recording section; a second guide member arranged at the rear side of the recording section and having a second curved surface configured to guide the first surface of the sheet; and a loading section configured to load the sheet discharged from the discharge section thereon. The loading section includes an inclined portion at the rear side of the recording section, the inclined portion being inclined upward toward the front side of the discharge section. The tube passes through a specified space positioned at the front side of the recording section and is connected to the recording section.