Roll Sheet Holder Link Mechanism for Compact Printer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roll sheet printers require a large space to replace roll sheets, especially when the input port is on the top surface, which increases the printer's size and complicates maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A printer design where the roll sheet holder moves between a storage and takeout position through a link mechanism connected to the opening/closing cover of the roll sheet input port, allowing for roll sheet input and output without needing a large hand-access space, utilizing a guide groove and movable shaft for a space-saving mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the roll sheet input port is opened on the device top surface, then the roll sheet can be accessed from above, but a large space is required for hand input which increases the printer size
Solution Approach 1:
The roll sheet holder is designed to move dynamically between a storage position (deep inside the input port) and a takeout position (near the input port opening) based on the opening/closing cover state. This dynamic repositioning allows the holder to provide easy access when needed while maintaining a compact footprint during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
A link member acts as an intermediary mechanism connecting the opening/closing cover to the roll sheet holder. When the cover is opened, the link member automatically moves the holder to the takeout position; when the cover is closed, it returns the holder to the storage position. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic position adjustment without requiring manual intervention or large access spaces.
2Volume of moving object
If the roll sheet holder is positioned deep inside the input port for compactness, then the printer size is reduced, but the roll sheet cannot be easily taken out by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The roll sheet holder transitions from a static deep-positioned design to a dynamic system that can reposition itself. When the opening/closing cover is opened, the holder automatically moves to a takeout position where the roll sheet is easily accessible. This dynamic behavior maintains compactness during storage while providing ease of operation during replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The roll sheet holder automatically repositions itself in response to the opening/closing cover movement without requiring manual intervention. The link member mechanism enables the holder to serve itself by moving to the appropriate position based on the cover state, eliminating the need for users to manually access deep interior spaces.
3Ease of operation
If a link mechanism is added to connect the opening/closing cover with the roll sheet holder, then the roll sheet holder can be moved to takeout position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link member serves multiple functions: it connects the opening/closing cover to the roll sheet holder, translates the cover's opening/closing motion into holder movement, and automatically positions the holder at the appropriate location. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening/closing cover operation and the roll sheet holder positioning are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The link member combines these two functions, so that one user action (opening the cover) simultaneously achieves both cover opening and holder repositioning, reducing the number of independent components and simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A printer (1) performing a printing operation on a roll sheet (12) includes a roll sheet holder (41) in which the roll sheet is stored, a roll sheet input port (4) through which the roll sheet is input to the roll sheet holder, an opening/closing cover unit (34) that opens and closes the roll sheet input port, and a link member that links the opening/closing cover unit with the roller sheet holder. The opening/closing cover unit is movable among an open position, a closed position, and a support position between the open position and the closed position.