Printer Material Storage Layout with Crossing Access and Paper Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses face constraints in the degree of freedom of arrangement of storage portions due to the need to avoid the conveyance path, leading to bulkiness and limited storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a storage portion that includes an opening/closing member forming a partial section of the conveyance path, allowing the access path to cross the conveyance path, thereby enhancing the arrangement flexibility and storage capacity without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the access path to the storage portion avoids the conveyance path, then the printing apparatus structure is simple, but the degree of freedom of arrangement of the storage portion is limited and the apparatus becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing member is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as a closure for the access path to the storage portion and simultaneously forms a partial section of the conveyance path. This multi-functionality allows the access path and conveyance path to cross each other without requiring separate structural elements, thereby improving the degree of freedom of arrangement of the storage portion while avoiding excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the function of closing the access path with the function of forming the conveyance path into a single integrated opening/closing member. By combining these two functions into one component, the design eliminates the need for separate structures, allowing more flexible arrangement of the storage portion without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the storage portion is arranged to avoid the conveyance path, then the conveyance path remains simple, but the printing material storage amount is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it closes the access path to allow sufficient storage space and forms the conveyance path to enable print medium transport. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the storage portion to be arranged in locations that would otherwise be inaccessible, thereby increasing printing material storage amount without requiring complex multi-component structures.
3Quantity of substance
If the apparatus size is increased to accommodate larger storage portion, then the storage capacity increases, but the apparatus becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the access path to cross the conveyance path by using the opening/closing member that serves dual purposes. This allows the storage portion to be arranged in three-dimensional space more efficiently, utilizing vertical or lateral arrangements rather than only horizontal expansion. Consequently, storage capacity can be increased without proportionally increasing the overall apparatus footprint, avoiding bulkiness.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a storage portion configured to store a container that stores a printing material to be applied to a print medium by a printing unit, a conveyance unit configured to convey the print medium along a conveyance path, and an opening/closing member configured to open/close an access path that enables access to the storage portion. The opening/closing member comprises a path forming member configured to form a partial section of the conveyance path crossing the access path in a state in which the access path is closed.