Retractable Stage and Medium Conveyance for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as garment printers, have projecting components that hinder downsizing and increase installation area when not in operation or powered off.
Innovation Solution
A medium conveyance device with a stage conveyor and medium conveyor that accommodates the stage and platen inside the housing, utilizing a driving force switcher to transition between conveyors based on the stage's position, reducing the projecting portions and enabling downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stage conveyor and medium conveyor are always extended outside the housing for operation, then the conveyance function is ensured, but the installation area and device size increase during standby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stage conveyor and medium conveyor movable rather than fixed. The conveyors can extend outside the housing during operation and retract inside during standby, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This is achieved through drive units that can position the conveyors in extended or retracted states, resolving the contradiction between operational accessibility and compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nesting principle by placing the stage conveyor and medium conveyor inside the housing when not in use. The conveyors are stored within the housing boundaries during standby, similar to nested dolls, and only extend outward when needed for operation. This allows the device to maintain a compact footprint during non-operational periods while ensuring full functionality during operation.
2Device complexity
If a single driver drives both stage conveyor and medium conveyor, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control each conveyor is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the driving system into separate drive units for the stage conveyor and medium conveyor. Each conveyor has its own dedicated drive unit, allowing independent control and operation. This segmentation enables versatile control strategies where each conveyor can be adjusted independently based on specific operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality through the switcher component that can distribute driving force to either the stage conveyor or medium conveyor based on operational needs. The drive units are designed to work with different conveyor configurations and operational modes, providing universal control capability. This allows a single control system to manage multiple conveyor operations independently, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A medium conveyance device includes a housing, a stage, a stage conveyor, a medium conveyor, a driver, and a switcher. A medium is placed on the stage. The stage conveyor holds the stage to convey the stage: from a first position outside the housing to a second position inside the housing; and from the second position to the first position. The medium conveyor conveys the stage conveyor and the stage: from the second position to a third position at a rear side from the second position; and from the third position to the second position. The driver generates a driving force to drive the stage conveyor and the medium conveyor. The switcher transmits the driving force to: the stage conveyor when the stage is positioned between the first position and the second position; and the medium conveyor when the stage is positioned between the second position and the third position.