Integrated Cartridge for Thermal Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal transfer type printers are inconvenient due to separate ink ribbon and printout paper management, expose the thermal print head, and require sheet-by-sheet paper insertion, leading to potential user burns and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cartridge with a recording media receiving part, feed reel, and winding reel arranged in a horizontal direction, featuring a double feed prevention groove and bosses for secure mounting within the printer, allowing side insertion and eliminating the need for an upper door structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ink ribbon and printout paper are mounted separately, then the printer can process different media types, but it is inconvenient in use and management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ink ribbon cartridge and printout paper cassette into a single integrated cartridge unit. The ink ribbon is mounted on a feed reel and winding reel assembly that is integrated with the paper loading mechanism, allowing both media to be loaded, stored, and replaced together as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting operations while maintaining the ability to process different media types through the integrated design of the cartridge body that accommodates both ribbon and paper compartments.
2Ease of operation
If printout paper is exposed to the outside of printer housing, then loading is simple, but the thermal print head is exposed and may cause user burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the thermal print head is housed within the integrated cartridge unit, which itself is inserted into the printer housing. The cartridge body encloses both the ink ribbon mechanism and printout paper supply, with the thermal print head positioned inside the cartridge rather than exposed on the printer exterior. This nested arrangement allows the cartridge to be loaded as a single unit while keeping the heating element enclosed and safe during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If sheet-by-sheet paper insertion is required, then precise paper feeding is achieved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading multiple sheets of printout paper into the integrated cartridge before insertion into the printer. The cartridge includes a paper supply compartment with a feed mechanism that automatically feeds sheets one at a time from the pre-loaded stack. This allows precise sheet-by-sheet feeding control while maintaining high productivity, as the user only needs to reload the entire cartridge when the paper is exhausted, rather than inserting individual sheets during operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional separate mounting structure is used, then component independence is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the integrated cartridge into distinct functional modules: an ink ribbon compartment with feed and winding reels, a printout paper supply compartment with feed mechanism, and a thermal print head housing. Each module is designed as a separate assembly that can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the complete cartridge unit. This segmented approach maintains component independence for manufacturing and assembly purposes while achieving overall integration that reduces the total system complexity compared to separate mounting structures.
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
Enhances convenience in installation and replacement, prevents thermal print head exposure, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures accurate cartridge positioning with bosses and bushings, while allowing easy cartridge removal via a hand-grip.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal transfer type printer applies heat to a thermal transfer ribbon on which dye is applied so that the dye applied on the thermal transfer ribbon is transferred to a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a sublimation type thermal transfer method that dye is transferred while sublimating
Implementation Method 3
a molten type thermal transfer method that dye is transferred while melting
Implementation Method 4
the feeder roller 30 comes into contact with the printout paper, and then, a sheet of the printout paper loaded on the cassette 20 is transferred between the capstan 34 and the pinch roller 36
Implementation Method 5
the lift lever 42 rotates to compress the platen 40 to the thermal print head 38 at a proper pressure in a state where the ink ribbon 6 and the printout paper 12 are interposed between the thermal print head 38 and the platen 40
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated cartridge and a printer using the same is provided, the integrated cartridge in which an ink ribbon and a printing medium are provided in one integrated cartridge and the cartridge is inserted through the side of the printer such that the convenience of installation and replacement for a user is improved.