Wireless Field Printer Housing for Adverse Environment Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard printers and printing systems are not suited for deployment in field environments with adverse conditions, as they are designed for home and office use and may experience issues with environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained remote wireless printing system housed in a weatherproof enclosure, equipped with wireless communications circuitry for receiving print commands and connecting to remote servers, and powered by solar panels or external connections, allowing operation in any location without infrastructure support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard printers are deployed in field environments, then printing capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to adverse environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting system reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental factors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system is segmented into a portable printer unit and a separate weatherproof housing that protects internal components. The printer can be deployed independently while the housing provides environmental protection when needed, allowing the system to adapt to field conditions without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates wireless communication capabilities that enable it to self-configure and operate autonomously in remote locations. The printer can receive print jobs and communicate via cellular or satellite connections without requiring external infrastructure setup, making it self-sufficient in adverse environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If standard printing systems are used in remote locations, then document printing is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to infrastructure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system is designed with multi-functionality to operate across diverse environments. It supports multiple communication protocols (cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi) and can function as a standalone device or integrate with existing networks, making it universally adaptable whether deployed in an office, field location, or remote area without infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If portable printers are used in remote areas, then deployment flexibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting throughputVSAvoidconnectivity options

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its connectivity method based on available infrastructure. It can switch between cellular data, satellite communication, and local Wi-Fi networks automatically, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining productivity regardless of the remote location's infrastructure availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250060790A1Remote wireless printer system

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 COPART INC

AI summary

A self-contained printing system includes a housing defining an interior for containing self-contained printing system components. A printer located within the housing prints documents responsive to print commands. Wireless communications circuitry enables receipt of the print commands from an external device located outside of the housing via a wireless communications link and communications with at least one remote server via the wireless communications link.