Printing Device Cover-Linked Holding Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing devices require users to lock and unlock a member holding an information processing device each time it is removed or attached, reducing user-friendliness and security.

Innovation Solution

A printing device with a casing that has a cover which opens and closes, featuring an operation unit that is not exposed when closed and becomes accessible when open, allowing the holding unit to switch between hold and release states, improving security and user-friendliness by simplifying the attachment and removal of information processing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a key is used to lock and unlock the member holding the information processing device, then security is improved, but user-friendliness deteriorates due to the need to lock and unlock every time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding unit is designed to dynamically change its state between a holding state (when the cover is closed) and a release state (when the cover is open). This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for manual locking and unlocking operations, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic feedback through the cover's position: when the cover is closed, the holding unit automatically transitions to the holding state; when the cover is open, it automatically transitions to the release state. This feedback mechanism ensures security while maintaining user-friendliness without requiring manual key operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the operation unit is always exposed outside the casing, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to unintended removal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operation unit's accessibility is dynamically controlled by the cover position. When the cover is closed, the operation unit is not exposed, preventing unintended removal. When the cover is open, the operation unit becomes accessible, allowing intentional operations. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The casing is segmented into a main body and a removable cover, with the operation unit positioned such that its accessibility is controlled by the cover's position. This segmentation allows the system to provide security when closed and ease of operation when open, resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3932683B1Printing device
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3932683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3932683B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printing device includes: a casing having a cover configured to open and close; an operation unit provided in the casing, the operation unit not being exposed outside the casing when the cover is closed, the operation unit being exposed outside the casing when the cover is open; and a holding unit whose state switches to one of a hold state configured to hold an information processing device and a release state configured to release the information processing device, in response to an operation accepted by the operation unit.