Recording Device Restriction Member Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording devices, such as printers, face challenges in securely transporting the carriage with a restriction member, as it may protrude and risk being damaged or forgotten to be removed.

Innovation Solution

A recording device design that includes a movement section, a mount section with a mounting space, and a restriction member that is attachable to and detachable from the movement section. The restriction member is positioned in the mounting space when in a restricted state, preventing movement and ensuring it is not forgotten during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the restriction member protrudes from the cover to prevent being forgotten, then the restriction member is easily visible and detectable, but the restriction member risks coming into contact with external objects and detaching during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetectability of restriction memberVSAvoidsecurity of restriction member during transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member is nested within the mounting space of the cover, which is part of the housing structure. This nesting approach allows the restriction member to be positioned securely inside the device rather than protruding outward, eliminating the risk of external contact while maintaining visibility through the opening section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member is positioned in a different spatial dimension (inside the mounting space) rather than extending outward. The opening section provides a viewing window into this internal space, allowing detection without external protrusion. This dimensional repositioning resolves the contradiction between visibility and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the restriction member is positioned inside the mounting space, then the restriction member is protected from external damage, but the restriction member may be forgotten to be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of restriction member during transportationVSAvoiduser awareness for removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member is designed with a color that differs from the housing and cover components. This color contrast makes the restriction member visually distinct and easily detectable through the opening section, ensuring users can see its presence and remember to remove it after use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The opening section acts as an intermediary that provides visual access to the restriction member without requiring it to protrude externally. Users can observe the restriction member through this opening, maintaining awareness of its presence while it remains protected inside the mounting space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the restriction member protrudes externally, then the restriction member is easily visible through the opening section, but the restriction member is vulnerable to contact and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of restriction memberVSAvoidexternal contact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member is nested within the mounting space formed by the cover and housing, protecting it from external contact. The opening section allows this nested member to remain visible while eliminating exposure to harmful external factors during transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250121617A1Recording device

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

It includes a liquid ejection section movable in a first movement direction, a mount section including a mounting space in which a liquid accommodation body that was inserted from an opening section is attachable; a fixed frame; a restriction member that is attachable to and detachable from the frame and is configured to restrict movement of the liquid ejection section in the first movement direction by being attached to the frame; a displacement member configured to, by the restriction member being attached to the frame, be displaced to a restricting position at which the displacement member, together with the restriction member, restricts movement of the movement section in movement direction, wherein the restriction member is positioned in the mounting space when the restriction member is in a restricted state in which the restriction member restricts movement of the liquid ejection section.