Compact Label Printer with Dual Detectors on Common PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Label printers require a reduction in size to enhance mobility and ease of use, allowing for compactness, portability, and easy ejection of labels while carrying the printer.
Innovation Solution
A compact printer design featuring a housing with an opening and closing cover, a feed roller, a print head, a cutting unit, and dual detectors mounted on a common circuit board, along with a separation unit and a head holding member that cancels the holding of the opening and closing cover, enabling efficient label ejection and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detectors are mounted on separate circuit boards, then detection reliability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detectors (first detector and second detector) onto a single circuit board, integrating their mounting structures and electrical connections. This merging approach maintains the detection functionality and reliability of multiple detectors while reducing the overall device complexity and size by eliminating the need for separate circuit boards for each detector.
2Weight of moving object
If the printer size is reduced for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but the space for mounting components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the first detector is positioned between the print head and the cutting unit, and the second detector is positioned downstream of the cutting unit, with both detectors mounted on the same circuit board. This nested spatial arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, reducing the overall printer footprint while maintaining all necessary functions for portability.
3Measurement precision
If detectors are positioned to detect labels at different locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first detector between the print head and cutting unit to detect labels immediately after printing, and the second detector downstream of the cutting unit to detect labels after cutting. Both detectors are mounted on the same circuit board with integrated electrical connections, achieving precise label detection at multiple critical points while simplifying the overall device structure through combined mounting.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A printer for label printing includes a cutter to cut a continuous label after printing at a position inside of the surface with respect to the outer case of the printer. A separation sensor is disposed between the cutter and the thermal head. A sheet detection sensor is disposed downstream of the cutter in the feeding direction. The sensors are mounted in two stages on a common circuit board. The circuit board is disposed vertically along the feeding direction of the continuous label within the region where a cover-open button to open an opening and closing cover of the printer is disposed.