Inkjet Recording Apparatus Operating Panel Centered Overlap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges with maintenance workability and space efficiency due to obstructive designs that hinder user access and visibility, leading to increased installation space requirements and reduced ease of maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The recording apparatus is designed with the operating unit positioned at the center, overlapping with the movable unit, allowing access from both sides and reducing the size by eliminating the need for separate working spaces, featuring a see-through portion for improved visibility during maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the operating panel is arranged on one side in the width direction of the apparatus, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the user has difficulty accessing the operating panel from the other side, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidaccess to operating panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating panel is arranged on the base that protrudes in the depth direction from the apparatus body, utilizing the depth dimension rather than only the width dimension. This allows the operating panel to be accessible from the front while maintaining a compact width, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the base projects forward from the apparatus body to support the operating panel, then the operating panel is accessible, but the base obstructs user access to the apparatus front, reducing ease of maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to operating panelVSAvoidaccess to apparatus front
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The operating panel is extracted from the main apparatus body and placed on a separate protruding base. This separation allows the base to be removed independently, providing unobstructed access to the apparatus front for maintenance work while keeping the operating panel accessible during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ink cartridge storage portion is provided in the apparatus, then ink cartridges are readily available, but it creates an obstacle when setting the fabric on the platen, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink cartridge availabilityVSAvoidfabric setting on platen
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ink cartridge storage portion is segmented as a separate removable unit positioned on the base. This allows the storage portion to be independently accessed or removed, providing ink cartridge availability when needed while eliminating obstacles during fabric setting operations on the platen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2767405B1Recording apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP2767405B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2767405B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2767405B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A recording apparatus includes a recording unit configured to perform printing on a printing medium, a supporting unit configured to support the printing medium, a movable unit configured to move the supporting unit with respect to the recording unit between a set position where the recording medium is set on the supporting unit and a recording position where the recording is executed on the recording medium supported on the supporting unit by using the recording unit in a first direction, and an operating unit configured to operate the recording unit and the movable unit. An end portion of the operating unit on the set position side in the first direction is located on the recording unit side with respect to an end portion of the supporting unit on the recording unit side in the first direction in a state in which the supporting unit is located at the set position. The operating unit overlaps at least partly with the movable unit in the second direction intersecting the first direction.