Single Cam Apparatus for Portable Sublimation Printer Roller Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable sublimation printers are bulky and heavy due to complex cam devices that control both platen roller and paper pickup roller operations, making it difficult to create a thin and lightweight printer.

Innovation Solution

A cam apparatus with a circular plate-shaped body, bevel gear, and a geared motor that simultaneously controls platen roller and paper pickup roller operations using a single cam, distributing the load to the printer frame and minimizing the motor's workload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex cam device is used to control both platen roller and paper pickup roller operations, then the roller operations can be controlled, but the printer thickness and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller operation controlVSAvoidprinter thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of both platen roller and paper pickup roller operations into a single cam device. The cam simultaneously controls the upward movement of both rollers, merging two separate control functions into one integrated mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity and thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cam device performs multiple functions by simultaneously controlling both the platen roller and paper pickup roller. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cam mechanisms for each roller, reducing the printer's thickness and weight while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a complex cam device is used to control both platen roller and paper pickup roller operations, then the roller operations can be controlled, but the printer weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller operation controlVSAvoidprinter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of both platen roller and paper pickup roller operations into a single cam device. The cam simultaneously controls the upward movement of both rollers, merging two separate control functions into one integrated mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity and thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cam device performs multiple functions by simultaneously controlling both the platen roller and paper pickup roller. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cam mechanisms for each roller, reducing the printer's thickness and weight while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single cam pin is used to cut paper and move platen roller, then device complexity is reduced, but the cam pin is likely to be bent causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecam device structureVSAvoidcam pin durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cam structure into multiple independent cam pins instead of using a single cam pin for multiple functions. Each cam pin is dedicated to a specific function (paper cutting or platen roller movement), which reduces the mechanical load on each individual pin and prevents bending and defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different functional characteristics to different parts of the cam device. Each cam pin is optimized for its specific function, with appropriate structural properties localized to where needed, improving overall reliability while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the creation of a thin and lightweight portable sublimation printer by efficiently controlling the up/down operations of both rollers with a single cam, reducing the printer's size and weight while maintaining accurate operation.

Implementation Method 1

a geared motor engaged with a gear of a cam at one side of the cam so as to drive the cam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9586419B2Cam apparatus of portable sublimation printer

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 PRINICS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cam apparatus of a portable sublimation printer, which can simultaneously implement platen roller up/down and paper pickup roller up/down operations with one cam in a portable sublimation printer, and can constitute a thin and light portable sublimation printer.