Recording Device Cooling via Vertical Airflow in Discharge Tray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording devices, such as printers, face design constraints due to the need for a horizontal airflow path, which limits the placement of large components and increases device height, reducing design freedom and increasing size.
Innovation Solution
A recording device with a discharge tray that supports recorded media and forms a cooling airflow path along its lower surface, allowing airflow without requiring additional horizontal space, and includes strategically positioned intake and discharge ports to enhance airflow efficiency and prevent hot air recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a horizontal airflow path is formed to cool the recording unit, then the cooling function is achieved, but the device height increases and design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the airflow path from horizontal to vertical direction, utilizing the height dimension more efficiently. The air flow path guide member directs air to flow vertically along the recording unit, allowing cooling without increasing device height. This dimensional reorientation resolves the contradiction by achieving the same cooling function in a different spatial configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow path guide member is integrated within the discharge tray structure, nesting the cooling function within an existing component. The guide member is positioned in the discharge tray to form the airflow path, eliminating the need for separate cooling structures that would increase device height.
2Temperature
If a horizontal airflow path is formed to cool the recording unit, then the cooling function is achieved, but the degree of freedom of design is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray serves multiple functions: it discharges recorded media and simultaneously houses the air flow path guide member for cooling the recording unit. This multi-functionality increases design freedom by eliminating the need for separate dedicated cooling structures, allowing greater flexibility in component arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from horizontal to vertical airflow, the patent enables more flexible component placement in the horizontal plane, improving design freedom while maintaining effective cooling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large components are arranged at positions where horizontal airflow paths are formed, then component placement flexibility is improved, but airflow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical airflow path allows large components to be positioned in the horizontal plane without obstructing the cooling flow, as the air moves vertically along the recording unit. This resolves the conflict between component placement flexibility and airflow efficiency.
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 improves design freedom, reduces device height, enhances airflow efficiency, and maintains effective cooling of the recording unit while aligning media properly on the discharge tray.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow path guide member that guides air to flow along a lower surface of the discharge tray... when the discharge fan is driven, the air flowing in from the intake port travels toward a recording head
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device includes a recording unit configured to perform recording on a medium, and a discharge tray located above the recording unit in a height direction of the recording device and configured to support the medium discharged after recording is performed thereon, and a flow path of air for cooling a cooling target is formed along a lower surface of the discharge tray. The recording unit is an example of the cooling target.