Roll Unit Storage Mechanism for Compact Recording Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording devices with roll units do not effectively save installation space as the roll unit requires separate storage when removed from the apparatus main body, leading to inefficient use of space.

Innovation Solution

A recording apparatus with a roll unit that can transition between a first mode where it is stored inside the housing and a second mode where it is drawn out to support the roll body, allowing for compact storage and efficient use of space by covering the roll unit within the housing when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the roll unit is removed from the apparatus main body, then the roll unit volume is reduced, but the installation space of the whole apparatus increases due to separate storage space requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll unit volumeVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The roll unit is stored inside the housing of the apparatus main body when not in use, with the roll unit positioned within the housing cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the roll unit to be contained within the existing housing volume, eliminating the need for separate external storage space and reducing the overall installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The roll unit is designed to be movable between a stored position inside the housing and a deployed position outside the housing. This dynamic configuration allows the roll unit to transition between compact storage and functional deployment states, enabling space-saving when not in use while maintaining accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the roll unit is stored inside the housing, then the installation space is reduced, but the roll unit cannot support the roll body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidroll body support function

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roll unit is designed with movable components that allow it to transition between a compact stored position inside the housing and an extended deployed position outside the housing. When deployed, the roll unit assumes a configuration that enables it to properly support the roll body, while when stored, it retracts to minimize space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The roll unit is divided into functional components that can be independently positioned or configured. This segmentation allows the support function to be activated only when needed, while the storage function is maintained when the components are retracted or repositioned within the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11325404B2Recording apparatus including roll body support unit

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A recording apparatus is configured to support a roll body on which a medium is wound in a rolled form, and to perform recording on the medium fed out from the roll body, the recording apparatus including a housing, and a roll unit configured to support the roll body, in which the roll unit is configured to transition to a first mode in which the roll unit is stored inside the housing in a state of not supporting the roll body, and to a second mode in which the roll unit is drawn out from inside the housing to outside the housing where the roll unit is configured to support the roll body.