Patent Grant
10807391
An example embodiment of the present invention relates generally to mobile printers, and more specifically to durable mobile printers structured to maintain an operational status after impacts.
Mobile printers are used in a variety of applications and environments. In some cases, mobile printers may be subjected to unexpected impacts and drops while in operation or transit which may result in excessive movement of printer components and result in components disassembling, misaligning, or breaking. Such excessive movements may cause damage to components resulting in printer failure and necessitating replacement of the components, possibly at considerable expense and significant downtime for the printer.
A number of deficiencies and problems associated with mobile printers are identified herein. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, exemplary solutions to many of these identified problems are embodied by the present invention, which is described in detail below.
Systems and apparatuses are therefore provided according to example embodiments of the present invention to provide improvements to mobile printer durability and to maintain a printer operational status after an impact.
In one embodiment, a printer is provided comprising a hinge pin defining a hinge pin length; an inner cover frame defining two or more first barrel hinge members, the two or more first barrel hinge members defining an outer hinge width; an outer cover defining two or more second barrel hinge members; and a media receiving housing defining two or more third barrel hinge members; the first barrel hinge members, the second barrel hinge members, and the third barrel hinge members are respectively structured for positioning in a coaxial arrangement for receiving the hinge pin, the hinge pin length being substantially equal to the outer hinge width, and the outer cover is pivotable relative to the media receiving housing from a closed position to a media access position when the first barrel hinge members, the second barrel hinge members, and the third barrel hinge members have received the hinge pin.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the inner cover frame defining a first plurality of fastener receivers and the outer cover defining a second plurality of fastener receivers, the first plurality of fastener receivers and the second plurality of fastener receivers structured to affix the inner cover frame to the outer cover such that the inner cover frame and the outer cover are jointly pivotable from the closed position to the media access position.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise an outer housing; the outer housing defining one or more tongue structures proximate a media lock edge; the media receiving housing defining one or more groove structures proximate a housing lock edge; the one or more groove structures of the media receiving housing are structured to securely receive the one or more tongue structures of the outer housing as the housing lock edge of the media receiving housing seats into the media lock edge of the outer housing.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise a third plurality of fastener receivers at the outer extremes of the media receiving housing proximate the housing lock edge of the media receiving housing and proximate the media exit edge of the media receiving housing, the third plurality of fastener receivers structured to securely affix the media receiving housing with the outer housing.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the outer cover defining one or more cover interlock elements, the cover interlock elements defining one or more recess surfaces; and the outer housing defining one or more housing interlock elements, the housing interlock elements defining one or more rib surfaces; the cover interlock element recess surfaces and the housing interlock element rib surfaces structured such that they proximately align when the outer cover is rotated from the media access position to the closed position; the cover interlock elements and the housing interlock elements structured to prevent the misaligning of the outer cover and the outer housing during an impact.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise wherein the outer housing further defines a rib structure extending proximate a spring bar, the rib structure structured to reduce flexing between a first portion of the outer housing and a second portion of the outer housing and to disburse forces received by the outer housing through the spring bar.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise a lower housing defining a battery pack box and first and second sidewalls, the lower housing further defining a plurality of ribs extending generally between the battery pack box and each of the first and second sidewalls, the plurality of ribs configured to provide added rigidity to the lower housing.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the lower housing defining one or more lower housing tongue and groove structures, the lower housing tongue and groove structures running along an outer housing join edge of each of a display side, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall of the lower housing; and the outer housing defining one or more outer housing tongue and groove structures, the outer housing tongue and groove structures running along a lower housing join edge of each of a display side, a second side, and a third side of the outer housing; the lower housing tongue and groove structures of the lower housing structured to align with the outer housing tongue and groove structures of the outer housing, and the lower housing tongue and groove structures and the outer housing tongue and groove structures structured as secure join points between the lower housing and the outer housing.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the lower housing further defining two or more finger joints proximate an outer housing interface edge of the lower housing; and the outer housing further defining two or more reciprocal finger joints proximate a lower housing interface edge of the outer housing; the two or more reciprocal finger joints of the outer housing structured to securely receive the two or more finger joints of the lower housing.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise wherein the lower housing further defines a fourth plurality of fastener receivers proximate the outer housing interface edge of the lower housing, the fourth plurality of fastener receivers structured to securely join at least the lower housing, the outer housing, and the media receiving housing.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the lower housing defining a step feature proximate a display edge of the lower housing, the step feature structured to receive a bumper component; and the step feature and the bumper component structured to transmit impact loads and stresses away from a display side of the printer.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise a display module coupled to the outer housing, the display module being proximate the step feature of the lower housing and above the bumper component; the bumper component structured to extend outwardly beyond a forward edge of the display module to reduce impact stress to display module components from front impacts proximate the display module.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the media receiving housing defining a media guide assembly proximate a media exit side of the media receiving housing, the media guide assembly defining a media guide belt assembly; and a print frame defining an attachment surface with a fifth plurality of fastener receivers, the print frame attachment surface structured to securely attach proximate an external surface of the media exit side of the media receiving housing and over the media guide belt assembly via the fifth plurality of fastening receivers; the print frame attachment surface and the external surface of the media exit side of the media receiving housing structured to act as a complete boxed assembly for the media guide belt assembly, the complete boxed assembly structured to prevent separation of components of the media guide belt assembly.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the media guide assembly defining a media guide belt structured to encourage synchronous movement of a first media guide and a second media guide of a media centering mechanism, the first media guide and the second media guide defining a first plurality of lugs and the media guide belt defining a second plurality of lugs structured to securely attach the media guide belt to the media guide assembly where the first plurality of lugs is of equivalent number to the second plurality of lugs and, the first and second pluralities of lugs structured to prevent slipping or cutting of the media guide belt under side impact stresses.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise a platen holder affixed proximate a platen edge of the inner cover frame, the platen holder structured to securely retain a platen; the platen holder defining a first hole through a first solid endpiece of the platen holder and a second hole through a second solid endpiece of the platen holder; the first hole structured to completely encircle a first end of the platen and the second hole structured to completely encircle a second end of the platen; the platen holder structured to prevent the platen from breaking free from the inner cover frame under impact stresses.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise a cover stop defining a cover stop length and proximate a hinge edge of the outer cover, the hinge edge of the outer cover defining a cover width; the cover stop length being substantially equal to the outer cover width; and the cover stop structured to disperse forces across an entire printer width when the outer cover is in the media access position.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise the first barrel hinge members, the second barrel hinge members, and the third barrel hinge members having received the hinge pin, structured to be in a recessed position within a hinge edge of the outer housing and a hinge edge of the outer cover when the outer cover is in the closed position; the recessed position structured to provide protection during drop impacts.
In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise wherein the printer is structured to maintain an operational status following a drop test based on the Department of Defense Test Method Standard MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6, procedure IV.
In some embodiments, the drop test comprises a plurality of two meter drops initiated from different printer drop orientations. In some embodiments, the drop test comprises twenty six drops, each drop initiated from different printer drop orientations of the printer. In some embodiments, the drop test is repeated for a plurality of different temperatures. In some embodiments, the printer is structured to reduce hard failures when subjected to a drop test based on a MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6, procedure IV specifications. In some embodiments, it is acceptable for the printer to suffer a limited number of soft failures. In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise wherein the printer is structured to maintain an operational status following a tumble test based on the International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 60068-2-32 Ed. 2.0 (incorporated in IEC 60068-2-31 Ed 2.0 (2008-05)).
In some embodiments, the tumble test comprises a plurality of one meter tumbles. In some embodiments, the printer is structured to maintain an operational status following 750 tumbles. In some embodiments, the printer is structured to maintain an operational status following 1000 tumbles. In some embodiments, the printer is structured to maintain an operational status following 1500 tumbles. In some embodiments, the printer is structured to maintain an operational status following 2000 tumbles. In some embodiments, the printer is structured to reduce hard failures when subjected to a tumble test based on an IEC 60068-2-32 specification. In some embodiments, it is acceptable for the printer to suffer a limited number of soft failures.
In another embodiment, a printer is provided comprising a media receiving housing defining a media guide assembly structured to provide a media centering mechanism within the media receiving housing; the media guide assembly defining a media guide belt structured to aid joint movement of a first media guide and a second media guide of the media centering mechanism; and the media guide belt defining a plurality of lugs structured to securely attach the media guide belt to the media guide assembly.
In another embodiment, a printer is provided comprising a platen holder affixed proximate a platen edge of an inner cover frame, the platen holder structured to securely retain a platen; the platen holder defining a first hole through a first solid endpiece of the platen holder and a second hole through a second solid endpiece of the platen holder; the first hole structured to completely encircle a first end of the platen and the second hole structured to completely encircle a second end of the platen; the platen holder structured to prevent the platen from breaking free from the inner cover frame under impact stresses.
Having thus described certain embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Mobile printers are used in a variety of applications and environments. In some cases, mobile printers may be subjected to unexpected impacts and drops while in operation or transit which may result in excessive movement of printer components and result in components disassembling or misaligning or breaking. Such excessive movements may cause damage to components resulting in printer failure and necessitating replacement of the components, possibly at considerable expense and significant downtime for the printer. For example, excessive movement during impacts or drops can result in damage to battery connectors, printed circuit board components, displays, and the like. Additionally, excessive stress within components caused by impacts and drops may cause material failure of the components.
For example, printer impacts might cause either hard failures or soft failures in the printer. Hard failures may cause a loss of printer function that cannot be corrected by reboot or other user intervention without tools. Soft failures may be failures that do not cause loss of function. Some soft failures may be corrected by user intervention without requiring the use tools. Hard failures may include a printer being unable to print (e.g., will not feed media, printer does not meet horizontal registration, poor print quality, cannot power on, or the like), being unable to charge, being unable to communicate with a host (wired or wireless communication), damaged and/or broken user interface (e.g., cracked or unreadable display, keypad or LEDs not functioning, or the like), loose parts moving around in an area inaccessible to the user, unable to load media (e.g., media cover will not open, media guide system not extending and retracting, or the like). Soft failures may include media cover opening during impact, battery separating from unit, temporary loss of connection to host (e.g., temporary loss of Bluetooth or WiFi connection), media ejected from printer, bosses stripped in housings, minor stress cracks and/or deformations to bumper.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to printer durability including the use of engineered structures to limit bending, flexing, and/or twisting during impacts and the use of impact absorbing materials to prevent cracks and breaks and thereby maintain operational status of the printer. For example, embodiments provide improvements that strengthen traditional break areas by the use of improved materials and design optimization to distribute impact forces.
In some embodiments, design features add to the rigidity of the printer design to prevent twisting and flexing during impacts and thereby maintain operational status of the printer. For example, in some embodiments such design features include cover rigidity, lower housing structure, main housing unibody structure, assembly fastener points, front bumper structure, print frame structure, boxed media guide assembly, display module housing, strengthening rib structures, and the like.
In some embodiments, design features and materials add to the strength of the printer design in typical breakage areas. For example, in some embodiments such design features include impact modified glass in displays, the use of long glass fibers, enclosed platen ends, full width cover stop, recessed cover hinge and knuckles, high impact modified polycarbonate, and the like.
Embodiments of the present invention provide printer design improvements that allow printers to maintain an operational status when subjected to repeated impacts. For example, the design and material improvements provided in embodiments allow a printer to continue to operate properly after being subjected to impacts from drops of up to two meters during a drop test based on the Department of Defense Test Method Standard MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6, procedure IV. During a drop test a printer is exposed to high impacts in specific orientations, including faces, edges, and corners. A drop test may be performed using a fixture to control height and orientation of the printer and where the printer impacts a concrete surface. The drop test may be performed such that the printer is dropped using different drop orientations so that every orientation (face, edge, corner) of the printer impacts the concrete surface (e.g., repeated for 26 drops, one drop in each different drop orientation). The drop test may be performed multiple times under different temperature conditions, such as ambient temperature, maximum operating temperature, and minimum operating temperature. The printer may be inspected for damage and functionality before the drop test and after each drop.
Embodiments of the present invention provide printer durability improvements which reduce or eliminate hard failures of the printer for a specified number of drop impacts. Embodiments may also reduce or minimize soft failures of the printer for a specified number of drop impacts. Limited soft failures may be acceptable for a specified number of drop impacts, such as cover opening less than 10% of total times dropped, media ejection less than 10% of total times dropped, battery separation less than 10% of total times dropped, minor bumper damage (e.g., printer can still be docked or belt clip and shoulder strap can still be attached, and where a piece of the bumper does not spate and create a sharp edge), minor stripping out of bosses in housings (e.g., where gap between housing does not exceed 0.75 mm). In example embodiments, the printer may continue to operate properly (e.g., have no hard failures and limited soft failures) for a total of twenty-six (26) two meter drops to concrete, entailing one drop to each face, edge, and corner (each drop orientation), at each of three temperature conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, maximum operating temperature, and minimum operating temperature).
In another example, the design and material improvements provided in embodiments allow a printer to continue to operate properly after being subjected to repeated impacts during a tumble test based on the International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 60068-2-32 Ed. 2.0 (1975) (incorporated in IEC 60068-2-31 Ed 2.0 (2008-05)). During a tumble test a printer is exposed to repetitive free-fall drops in random orientations. A tumble test may be performed using a tumbler, or rotating or tumbling barrel, fixture. During the tumble test, the printer impacts a smooth, hard, rigid surface of the tumbler. A tumble test is performed for a number of cycles, where a 360 degree rotation of the tumbler results in two hits and is considered two cycles. The printer may be inspected for damage and functionality before the tumble test and after certain specified intervals of tumbles (e.g., after every 100 tumbles; at 100, 200, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000 tumbles, etc.).
Embodiments of the present invention provide printer durability improvements which reduce or eliminate hard failures of the printer for a specified number of repeated tumbles. Embodiments may also reduce or minimize soft failures of the printer for a specified number of repeated tumbles. Limited soft failures may be acceptable for a specified number of repeated tumbles, such as cover opening less than 10% of total times tumbled, media ejection less than 10% of total times tumbled, battery separation less than 10% of total times tumbled, minor bumper damage (e.g., printer can still be docked or belt clip and shoulder strap can still be attached, and where a piece of the bumper does not spate and create a sharp edge), minor stripping out of bosses in housings (e.g., where gap between housing does not exceed 0.75 mm). Earlier printers have been known to typically fail at 500 tumbles or less. In example embodiments, a printer continues to operate properly (e.g., have no hard failures and limited soft failures) after being subjected to up to two thousand one meter tumbles.
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The inner cover frame 108 may be further attached to the outer cover 102 at the frame arm ends via another plurality of fastener receivers 222 defined in the inner cover frame 108 and another plurality of fastener receivers 224 defined in the outer cover 102.
Such a fastening arrangement of the inner cover frame 108 to the outer cover 102 with a plurality of fasteners allows the components to act as a solid boxed structure which will not slide and/or twist individually. In some embodiments, the inner cover may be filled with long glass fiber for additional rigidity.
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In example embodiments, the lower housing is defined with a battery pack box structure, multiple ribs connecting to the sidewalls of the lower housing, and a step feature along the display side of the lower housing, providing added rigidity to the printer design. The lower housing acts as a stiffener for the entire printer, and supports the outer housing sides, for example via tongue and groove structures or the like.
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The lower housing 106 is further defined with one or more lower housing tongue and groove structures 140 running along an outer housing join edge of each of a display side, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall of the lower housing 106. The outer housing 104 is further defined with one or more outer housing tongue and groove structures 142 running along a lower housing join edge of each of a display side, first sidewall, and second sidewall of the outer housing 104, as illustrated in
The lower housing tongue and groove structures 140 of the lower housing 106 are structured to align with the outer housing tongue and groove structures 142 of the outer housing 104. The lower housing tongue and groove structures 140 and the outer housing tongue and groove structures 142 are structured as secure join points between the lower housing 106 and the outer housing 104, wherein the lower housing sides support the outer housing sides.
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In example embodiments, the media guides 172 and 174 may be constructed with long glass fibers to provide added strength and rigidity. In some example embodiments, the media guide may be fastened using an extra-long screw, such as at fastener receivers 262 of
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The print frame 154 defines an attachment surface 168 with a sixth plurality of fastener receivers 170. The print frame attachment surface 168 is structured to securely attach proximate the external surface of the media exit side of the media receiving housing 110 and over the media guide belt assembly 164 via the fifth plurality of fastening receivers 166 and sixth plurality of fastening receivers 170. In example embodiments, the fifth and sixth pluralities of fastening receivers are defined in the four corners and the center of the print frame attachment surface 168 and the media guide belt assembly 164 to stiffen the entire assembly.
The print frame attachment surface 168 and the external surface of the media exit side of the media receiving housing 110 are structured to form a complete boxed assembly for the media guide belt assembly 164. The complete boxed assembly is structured to stiffen the entire assembly and prevent separation of components of the media guide belt assembly 164, such as pulleys, guides, and the like.
In some example embodiments, the print frame 154 is constructed using long glass fiber for extreme rigidity. The print frame 154 may be defined to fasten to the media receiving housing 110 via a plurality of fastener receivers and to a printed circuit board frame via a plurality of fastener receivers.
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In some example embodiments, the hinge assembly (e.g., hinge pin 114, first barrel hinge members 116, second barrel hinge members 118, and third barrel hinge members 120 of
In some example embodiments, additional design features and materials may be used to provide added strength in typical breakage areas. For example, a display module may use impact modified glass, cover latch hooks may be composed of steel or similar materials, a gear train may be defined with a steel rear post and wider gears for added strength, and outer housings may be constructed with high impact modified polycarbonate with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) overmold.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/623,377, filed Feb. 16, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9487022 | Hutnak | Nov 2016 | B2 |
| 20030103793 | Murakoshi et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20050162497 | Matsui et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20060216098 | Lyman | Sep 2006 | A1 |
| 20110200375 | Kokawa | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Electrotechnical Standard Commission Standard IEC 60068-2-32 Ed. 2.0 (incorporated in IEC 60062-2-31 Ed. 2.0 (May 2008); 16 pages; Available in U.S. Appl. No. 14/623,377 to which priority is claimed. |
| Department of Defense Test Method Standard MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6, Procedure IV; dated Oct. 31, 2008; 48 pages; Available in U.S. Appl. No. 14/623,377 to which priority is claimed. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170015117 A1 | Jan 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14623377 | Feb 2015 | US |
| Child | 15281570 | US |
