Printing Apparatus Upstream Cutter for Safe Cartridge Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In on-carriage inkjet printers, users risk contacting the cutter unit or the ink cartridge with the cutter unit during cartridge replacement, leading to potential injuries and mechanical issues.

Innovation Solution

The printing apparatus is designed with a configuration where the processing unit, such as the cutter unit, is located upstream of the head carriage in the conveyance direction, and the head carriage is positioned to be replaced through an opening in the housing while shielding the cutter unit, preventing direct contact during cartridge replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cutter unit is installed downstream of the ink cartridge in the conveyance direction, then the printing apparatus can perform cutting and printing functions, but the user's hand may come into contact with the cutter unit or the ink cartridge may come into contact with the cutter unit during cartridge replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting and cutting functionsVSAvoidcontact between user hand or cartridge and cutter unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the cutter unit from a downstream location to an upstream location relative to the ink cartridge in the conveyance direction. This spatial rearrangement in the conveyance direction dimension separates the cutter unit from the user's hand and cartridge during replacement operations, eliminating the contact hazard while preserving both cutting and printing functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conveyance path arrangement where the print medium serves as an intermediary element that passes between the cutter unit and the ink cartridge position. This mediates the spatial relationship between components, allowing the cutter unit to be positioned upstream without interfering with cartridge replacement operations downstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the processing unit is positioned downstream of the head carriage, then the print medium can be processed after printing, but the user's hand may contact the processing unit during cartridge replacement from the front opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing print medium after printingVSAvoidcartridge replacement safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the positional arrangement in the conveyance direction dimension, placing the processing unit upstream of the head carriage instead of downstream. This dimensional repositioning ensures that when users access the front opening for cartridge replacement, their hands cannot reach the processing unit, while the print medium still flows through both components in sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the cutter unit is accessible from the front opening, then users can easily replace cartridges, but the cutter unit may contact the cartridge or user hand causing injury or mechanical issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge replacement accessibilityVSAvoidprevention of contact between cutter unit and cartridge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the conveyance direction dimension to create spatial separation between the cutter unit and the cartridge replacement path. By positioning the cutter unit upstream of the ink cartridge, the design allows front opening access for cartridge replacement while the cutter unit remains in a different position along the conveyance direction, preventing any potential contact and ensuring both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 ensures user safety by preventing hand and cartridge contact with the cutter unit during replacement, reducing the risk of injury and mechanical interference, and allowing for efficient cartridge replacement without compromising printing processes.

Implementation Method 1

The head carriage is configured to hold the mounting section and the head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion:

Implementation Method 2

The head includes a nozzle to eject a liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid ejection:

Implementation Method 3

The processing unit includes a processing section configured to process a print medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Data Source

PatentUS20240092100A1Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

There is provided a printing apparatus including: a housing including a wall with an opening; a mounting section configured to allow a cartridge to be mounted through the opening; a head with a nozzle to eject a liquid; a processing unit including a processing section configured to process a print medium; and a head carriage holding the mounting section and the head. The processing unit is located upstream of the head carriage in a conveyance direction of the print medium, the conveyance direction being a direction in which the print medium passes through a support facing the head.