Rotatable Printer Paper Dispensing Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Printers often dispense printed paper in undesirable directions or locations, limiting their usability in various environments, such as point of sale terminals, where the paper may be difficult to access when the printer is positioned within a cabinet or under a counter.

Innovation Solution

The printer system includes a body with multiple openings and a printing unit that can operate in different print modes, allowing paper to be printed and dispensed in various configurations and directions, with a rotation mechanism and docking station to adjust the printer's orientation for convenient paper dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the printer is positioned within a cabinet or under a counter, then the printer can be concealed or space-efficient, but the dispensed paper becomes difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter placement flexibilityVSAvoidpaper accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotatable paper dispensing mechanism that can change the direction of paper output. The dispensing assembly includes a rotation actuator that allows the paper exit direction to be dynamically adjusted between multiple orientations (e.g., front, side, top), enabling the printer to be placed in confined spaces like cabinets while maintaining easy paper access depending on the specific installation location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds rotational freedom to the paper dispensing system, transforming a single-direction dispensing mechanism into a multi-directional one. By introducing the rotation dimension, the printer can adapt to various installation orientations without compromising paper accessibility, effectively solving the contradiction between concealed placement and easy access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the printer uses a fixed paper dispensing direction, then the internal structure is simple, but the printer cannot adapt to different installation environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing mechanism complexityVSAvoidinstallation environment adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotatable paper dispensing mechanism that can change the direction of paper output. The dispensing assembly includes a rotation actuator that allows the paper exit direction to be dynamically adjusted between multiple orientations (e.g., front, side, top), enabling the printer to be placed in confined spaces like cabinets while maintaining easy paper access depending on the specific installation location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the paper dispensing mechanism to perform multiple functions: it can dispense paper in various directions (front, side, top) and can be controlled automatically or manually. This multi-functional design allows a single printer model to adapt to different installation environments without requiring multiple specialized designs, balancing complexity with versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the printer dispenses paper in a single configuration, then the printing mechanism is straightforward, but the printer is limited in how it can be oriented and used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting mechanism complexityVSAvoidprinter orientation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotatable paper dispensing mechanism that can change the direction of paper output. The dispensing assembly includes a rotation actuator that allows the paper exit direction to be dynamically adjusted between multiple orientations (e.g., front, side, top), enabling the printer to be placed in confined spaces like cabinets while maintaining easy paper access depending on the specific installation location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9145010B2Printers and printer systems for printing images on paper in different configurations and for dispensing printed paper in different directions

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS HLDG

AI summary

Printers and printer systems for printing images on paper in different configurations and for dispensing printed paper in different directions are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a printer includes a body defining openings. A printing unit is positioned within the body and can receive an instruction for printing an image. In a first print mode, the printing unit can print the image on the paper in a first configuration and dispense the paper in a first direction through one of the openings of the body. In the second print mode, the printing unit can print the image on the paper in a second configuration and dispense the paper in a second direction through another of the openings of the body. A sensing component can determine whether the printer is in the first print mode or the second print mode.