Staircase Rack Gears for Portable Printer Paper Guide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for a wider space to operate paper guides smoothly, which interferes with the compact design required for portable printers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a staircase-like arrangement of rack gears and a pinion gear, with paper guides positioned on both the upper and lower rack gears, allows for smooth operation and alignment of roll paper without requiring additional space for user access, enabling miniaturization while maintaining efficient paper handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the operation part is arranged away from the sliding part of the paper guides, then the roll paper is not interfered with during operation, but the paper guides do not move smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The operation part is positioned in the width direction (lateral dimension) rather than the length direction (conveyance direction). The paper guides move in the width direction to support the core portion, while the operation part is arranged laterally to avoid interference with the roll paper in the length direction. This dimensional separation allows both smooth operation and non-interference with the roll paper.
2Ease of operation
If the operation part is arranged close to the sliding part to enable smooth operation, then the paper guides move smoothly, but the printer width must be widened to secure finger insertion space
Solution Approach 1:
The operation part is positioned in the width direction (lateral dimension) rather than extending the length direction. By arranging the operation part laterally and having the paper guides move in the width direction, the printer width is minimized while still allowing smooth operation. This eliminates the need to widen the printer in the conveyance direction to secure finger insertion space.
3Volume of moving object
If the printer is miniaturized by reducing width, then portability is improved, but the operation part cannot be accessed after setting roll paper
Solution Approach 1:
The operation part is positioned in the width direction (lateral dimension) at a location accessible after roll paper setting, rather than in the length direction. The paper guides move laterally to support the core portion, and the operation part is arranged to be accessible from the side, enabling miniaturization in the conveyance direction while maintaining operational accessibility.
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
This configuration allows for the installation of an operation part near the sliding mechanism without interfering with the roll paper, enhancing user accessibility and improving operability while maintaining a compact printer design.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of rack gears (31, 39) arranged in a staircase-like shape on a paper conveyance direction (TD) side of the continuous paper (S) accommodated in the accommodation part (17), and having tooth rows arranged in a first direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction so as to face each other, and a pinion gear (33) arranged between the pair of rack gears (31, 39) and fitted to the tooth rows of the pair of rack gears (31, 39)
Data Source
AI summary
A printer device includes: a pair of rack gears arranged in a staircase-like shape on a paper conveyance direction side of a continuous paper accommodated in a recessed accommodation part that accommodates a roll-shaped continuous paper and having tooth rows arranged in a first direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction so as to face each other; a pinion gear fitted into the tooth rows; and a pair of paper guides that are respectively provided at a position of an upper rack gear that is closer to a center side in the first direction from one end portion in the first direction and a position of a lower rack gear that is closer to the center side in the first direction from another end portion in the first direction or the other end portion. The paper guide provided on the upper rack gear is mounted to an upper mounting part extending from a back surface of the upper rack gear opposite to the tooth row to the paper conveyance direction side.