Shared Media Path for Compact All-In-One Printers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

All-In-One (AIO) printing devices, particularly front-in front-out (C-path) devices, are bulky and require significant manual interaction due to dedicated print media handling systems and limited media capacity, which increases downtime and costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a shared media path that integrates a pick and separation mechanism, turn roller, scan zone, and print zone, allowing for printing, scanning, and duplexing without the need for dedicated systems, and incorporating an in-line scan bar and retractable photo media tray to reduce size, weight, and manual interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated print media handling systems are used for scanning and printing, then functionality is ensured, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scanning and printing media handling systems into a single shared media path. The pick and separation mechanism, turn roller, scan zone, and print zone all utilize the same media path infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared media path is designed to serve multiple functions - it can handle both scanning operations (via the in-line scan bar) and printing operations (via the print zone) using the same physical path and handling mechanisms. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while ensuring both operations can be performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated print media handling systems are used, then operational capability is maintained, but manual interaction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidmanual interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shared media path with integrated pick and separation mechanism automatically handles media transport from the photo media tray through the scan zone and print zone without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the media handling process, reducing manual interaction while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated photo tray and scan systems are added, then functionality is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The photo media tray is integrated into the shared media path structure, and the in-line scan bar is incorporated within the same spatial envelope as the print zone. This merging of previously separate systems into a compact integrated assembly significantly reduces the overall device volume while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The in-line scan bar is positioned within the media path in a way that utilizes vertical or lateral space efficiently, allowing the scanning function to be added without proportionally increasing the device footprint. The scan zone is arranged to share spatial resources with the print zone, optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Volume of moving object

If shared media path is implemented, then device size is reduced, but media capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmedia capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The shared media path incorporates dynamic media handling capabilities with the pick and separation mechanism that can efficiently manage media flow from the photo media tray. The system dynamically adjusts media transport timing and positioning to maximize the effective media capacity within the reduced device volume, allowing sufficient media storage without increasing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11981534B2Shared media paths

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

In some examples, the disclosure describes a device that includes a first media tray positioned at a media input of a pick and separation mechanism, a second media tray positioned at the media input of the pick and separation mechanism, a media scan guide to position a sheet of print media at the media input of the pick and separation mechanism, a shared media path comprising a turn roller to receive the sheet of print media from the pick and separation mechanism from a first direction and provide the sheet of print media to a print zone in a second direction, and an output zone to receive the sheet of print media from the shared media path.