Selectable Drive Printing Device Single Motor Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-in-one printing devices that incorporate both printing and scanning functions tend to have a larger footprint and higher costs due to the inclusion of separate motors and hardware for each system, making them less marketable and more expensive for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A selectable drive printing device with a drive selector system that uses a single motor to drive both the printing and scanning systems by selectively shifting between drive positions via a selector swing arm and shifter, reducing the need for dedicated motors and optimizing gear reduction to minimize size and stress within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors and hardware are included for printing and scanning systems, then functional versatility is improved, but device footprint and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing and scanning drive systems by using a single motor (motor 114) that selectively drives both systems through a shared feedshaft (104) and drive selector system. This merging eliminates the need for separate motors, reducing device footprint while maintaining full printing and scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor and feedshaft assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively engaging with either the printing system or scanning system through the drive selector mechanism. This universal drive assembly replaces dedicated separate motors, achieving multi-functionality without increasing footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors and hardware are included for printing and scanning systems, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the printing and scanning drive systems into a single integrated motor assembly (motor 114 with feedshaft 104), eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This directly reduces manufacturing cost while preserving both printing and scanning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal drive assembly serves both printing and scanning functions through selective engagement, replacing two separate motor systems with one multi-functional unit. This reduces bill of materials costs and assembly complexity, directly impacting manufacturing cost positively.
3Area of stationary object
If a single motor drives both printing and scanning systems, then device footprint is reduced, but drive system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive selector system employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the feedshaft (104) and selector swing arm (140) can pivot between different positions to engage with either the printing system or scanning system. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single motor to control multiple systems without requiring complex permanent connections, managing complexity through controlled adaptability.
4Area of stationary object
If gear reduction is optimized to minimize size and stress, then device footprint is reduced, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary feedshaft (104) and drive selector system that mediates between the single motor and the two different drive systems (printing and scanning). This intermediary mechanism provides the necessary gear reduction and torque multiplication while maintaining a compact form factor, managing mechanical complexity through a centralized transmission interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A selectable drive printing device includes a drive selector system to select between driving a print drive system and driving a scan drive system based at least partially on a position of a selector swing arm of the drive selector system. The selectable drive printing device includes a shifter to selectively shift the drive selector system between a scanning system drive position of the selector swing arm and a printing system drive position of the selector swing arm.