Transport Device Cover Storage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face issues with cover loss during medium transportation, as detachable covers are not securely stored and can be easily misplaced.

Innovation Solution

A transport device with a storage section that secures one edge of the cover, allowing it to be stored and easily reattached, featuring a winding portion with a shaft that intersects the transport direction for convenient attachment and detachment, preventing cover loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is made detachable from the body of the apparatus, then the cover can be separated when not needed, but the cover is likely to be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachability of coverVSAvoidcover retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage section is integrated within the body of the apparatus, and the cover is stored within this nested storage space. When detached, the cover does not become a separate lost item but remains nested within the apparatus structure, resolving the contradiction between detachability and retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage section merges the storage function with the existing apparatus structure. By combining the cover storage capability into the body of the apparatus, the system maintains cover retention while allowing detachability for operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the cover is stored in a storage section, then the cover is prevented from being lost, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover retentionVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage section serves multiple functions: it stores the cover when detached, provides structural support, and integrates with the existing apparatus housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cover storage components, thereby minimizing added complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If one edge side of the cover is secured to the storage section, then the cover is easily stored and retrieved, but the cover cannot be freely attached and detached from the guide face

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover storage and retrievalVSAvoidcover attachment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into two functional zones: one edge side secured to the storage section for easy storage/retrieval, and the other edge side free to attach/detach from the guide face. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of easy storage operation and attachment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10137705B2Transport device and printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A transport device includes a transport section configured to transport a medium, a medium guide section including a guide face for guiding, in a transport direction, the medium in a state of being transported by the transport section, a cover configured to be attached on the guide face, and a storage section configured to store in itself the cover in a state of being detached, and one edge side of the cover is secured to the storage section.