Ink Ribbon Shaft Antenna Layout for Stable Wireless Tag Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label printers face challenges in maintaining reliable data communication with wireless tags on ribbon rolls due to increasing distance as the diameter of the ribbon roll decreases, making it difficult to set the printing speed accurately.
Innovation Solution
The label printer incorporates an antenna on the delivery shaft of the ink ribbon roll, ensuring proximity to the wireless tag, and uses a magnetic sheet to prevent interference, allowing reliable data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is disposed on the printer main body side close to the wireless tag on the ribbon roll, then data communication reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and the antenna occupies valuable space on the ribbon roll
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is integrated directly into the ribbon roll structure, merging the communication function with the existing mechanical structure. This eliminates the need for separate antenna mounting mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is positioned on the peripheral surface of the ribbon roll in the radial dimension, rather than on the printer main body. This dimensional relocation allows the antenna to be close to the wireless tag without increasing the axial length of the printer, effectively utilizing the available space.
2Extent of automation
If the wireless tag is placed on the core (inner roll portion) of the ribbon roll, then the printing speed can be automatically set, but the distance between the wireless tag and the antenna becomes large making communication difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is positioned on the peripheral surface of the ribbon roll, utilizing the radial dimension to bring the antenna close to the wireless tag on the core. This spatial arrangement in the radial direction allows both the antenna and wireless tag to be on opposite sides of the ribbon roll, minimizing the communication distance while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbon roll itself acts as a mediator or waveguide for the electromagnetic waves between the antenna and the wireless tag. By positioning the antenna on the peripheral surface, the ribbon roll material helps guide and concentrate the electromagnetic field towards the wireless tag on the core, improving communication reliability.
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 enables consistent and reliable data communication with the wireless tag, enabling accurate setting of printing speed based on the type of ink ribbon, regardless of roll diameter changes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sheet to prevent interference
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a printing apparatus includes a shaft, an antenna, and a printing section. The shaft can be inserted into a cylindrical core of an ink ribbon roll wound around the cylindrical core. The shaft permits the ink ribbon roll to rotate about the shaft. The ink ribbon roll has a wireless tag for identification purposes or the like. The antenna is provided on the shaft for data communication with the wireless tag of the ink ribbon roll. The printing section performs printing on a medium using the ink ribbon drawn out from the ink ribbon roll.