Repositionable Feed Mechanism for Duplex Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing shipping practices of printing apparatuses and duplex printing mechanisms result in increased costs due to separate shipping, as not all users require duplex printing capabilities, leading to empty volume in shipments.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a repositionable feed mechanism that can couple to the base in either a first position for document feeding or a second position for printing on multiple sides of a printing medium, allowing for duplex printing without the need for separate shipping of the duplex printing mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a duplex printing mechanism is included with the printing apparatus, then duplex printing capability is improved, but shipping costs increase due to empty volume when not all users require this capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduplex printing capabilityVSAvoidshipping costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The feed mechanism is divided into two distinct operational positions: a first position for single-sided printing and a second position for duplex printing. This segmentation allows the same physical mechanism to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need to ship a separate duplex mechanism to users who may not need it, while still providing the capability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feed mechanism is made repositionable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change between two positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt its function based on user needs, providing duplex printing capability only when the mechanism is positioned in the second location, thereby reducing unnecessary shipping costs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate duplex printing mechanism is shipped, then duplex printing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduplex printing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed mechanism serves multiple functions by being repositionable between two positions: feeding documents to the copying device in the first position and manipulating printing medium for duplex printing in the second position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full duplex capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the document feeding function and the duplex printing manipulation function into a single feed mechanism. By merging these functions into one repositionable component rather than using separate mechanisms, the overall device complexity is reduced while still achieving both single-sided and duplex printing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7413359B2Method and apparatus for printing

Publication Date: 2008.08.19 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a base coupled to a copying device and a printing device. A feed mechanism is provided which is operable to couple to the base in one of either a first position or a second position, whereby the feed mechanism is operable to feed a document to the copying device in the first position and the feed mechanism is operable to manipulate a printing medium to allow the printing device to print to a plurality of sides of the printing medium in the second position.