Printer Upper Module Rotation for Front Paper Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers in terminal devices like ATMs and kiosks face difficulties in accessing and removing stored paper due to limited space, making maintenance and paper collection cumbersome, especially when the paper is drawn back into the printer after a predetermined time.
Innovation Solution
A printer design with a lower module and an upper module that rotates for access, a paper handling part to form bundles, and a container for storing paper, along with lock mechanisms to facilitate easy operation and maintenance without requiring access to the back of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper module is designed to rotate for access to stored paper, then the ease of operation for paper collection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional lock mechanisms and rotational support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The printer is divided into an upper module and a lower module, with the upper module being rotatable. This segmentation allows the paper collection function to be accessed separately through rotation, improving ease of operation while isolating the complexity to specific components rather than the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper module is designed with rotational movement capability rather than being fixed. This dynamic design allows the module to rotate to an open position for paper collection and then return to a closed position, making paper collection easier while the lock mechanism manages the added complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the printer is designed with a compact structure to minimize installation area, then the area of the device is reduced, but the ease of operation for maintenance and paper removal deteriorates due to limited access space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the printer horizontally to provide access space, the design utilizes vertical rotation of the upper module. This dimensional change allows maintenance access without increasing the horizontal installation footprint, thus maintaining compactness while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper module is pre-configured with a rotational mechanism and lock system that enables easy access to stored paper. This preliminary design of the access mechanism ensures that despite the compact overall size, maintenance and paper removal remain convenient through the built-in rotational access feature.
3Reliability
If the discharge unit draws paper back into the upper module after a predetermined time, then the reliability of preventing unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases due to timing control and paper retrieval mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge unit automatically draws paper back into the upper module after a predetermined time without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism improves security by automatically securing paper after discharge, while the automation reduces the need for complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper retrieval operation occurs periodically after a predetermined time interval following paper discharge. This periodic action ensures that paper is automatically drawn back into storage at regular intervals, improving security while using simple timing-based control rather than continuous monitoring.
4Volume of moving object
If the container is positioned to receive drawn-back paper in a region between the support member and the lower part of the upper module, then the volume efficiency is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The container is nested within the upper module structure, specifically positioned in the region between the support member and the lower part of the upper module. This nesting arrangement maximizes volume efficiency by utilizing otherwise wasted space, while the container's design allows it to be integrated into the existing modular structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer has a lower module and upper module . The lower module has a paper feed unit and a printing unit. A back of the upper module is hinged to lower module. A paper handling part holds paper after printing by the printing unit. A discharge unit in the upper module moves the paper out of the upper module while maintaining a hold on a rear portion of the paper and to draw the paper back into the upper module after an elapse of time. A container includes a support member that rotates into contact with and moves away from a lower part of the upper module. The container configured to receive and store the paper that has been drawn back by the discharge unit. The paper is stored in a region between the support member and the lower part of the upper module.