Sliding Vehicle Printer Mount for Compact In-Car Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle printer mounts or stations are bulky and require multiple components for storage of mobile computers, printers, and printer paper rolls, making them inconvenient for easy access.
Innovation Solution
A compact vehicle printer station that allows a mobile computer to be stacked on top, with a housing and vehicle mounting bracket that securely store a mini portable printer and its paper roll, using a sliding tray mechanism for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional vehicle printer mounts use multiple components for storage, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage functions (printer storage, paper roll storage, mobile computer storage) into a single integrated housing structure. The housing includes an interior housing channel that accommodates all three items, eliminating the need for separate storage components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores the printer, stores the paper roll, stores the mobile computer, and provides a mounting interface for vehicle installation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all necessary storage capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional vehicle printer mounts use multiple components, then storage capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into distinct functional zones: an interior housing channel for printer and paper roll storage, and a top surface for mobile computer placement. The sliding tray mechanism further segments the printer access, allowing it to be easily retrieved without moving other components. This segmentation maintains storage capacity while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding tray mechanism allows dynamic access to the printer. The tray can be slid out to easily access the printer and paper roll, then slid back in to secure items. This dynamic feature improves ease of operation compared to fixed storage compartments, allowing quick access without disassembling or moving other components.
3Device complexity
If a compact design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but storage capacity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the paper roll is stored within the interior housing channel alongside the printer, and the mobile computer is placed on the top surface of the same housing. This nesting approach maximizes storage capacity within a compact single-component structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate storage units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by placing the mobile computer on the top surface of the housing while storing the printer and paper roll in the interior housing channel below. This three-dimensional arrangement maintains storage capacity for all three items within a compact footprint, avoiding the need for multiple horizontal components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a printer station for a vehicle comprising: a housing having a top surface member connected to two side members forming an interior housing channel, a printer sliding tray, and a vehicle mounting bracket wherein: the interior housing channel is designed to contain at least a portion of the printer sliding tray; each of the two side members of the housing includes a slide feature that accepts and allows the printer sliding tray to slide in and out of the interior housing channel; the vehicle mounting bracket is attached to the housing; the vehicle mounting bracket includes vehicle attachment features for attachment to a vehicle's interior; the printer tray is designed to contain a printer; and the printer tray includes a printer paper roll holding feature to contain a printer paper roll that feeds into the printer.