Label Printer Roll Near-End Sensing Without Paper Hold-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers that detect the remaining amount of rolled paper using a sensor facing the side surface of the paper require a complex structure to hold down the paper, complicating the printer design.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a holder, printing device, and near-end sensor to detect a near-end state of the paper based on a predetermined diameter, determining the remaining amount without needing a structure to hold down the paper, using a near-end sensor to output a detection signal and a controller to determine the remaining amount based on continuous detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a structure to hold down the rolled paper is added to prevent paper movement during printing, then measurement precision of remaining amount is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical holding-down structure with a sensor-based detection system. The near-end sensor detects the outer peripheral surface position of the rolled paper in the radial direction, eliminating the need for mechanical constraints while achieving accurate remaining amount detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary between the rolled paper and the detection system. The sensor acts as a mediator that translates the physical position of the paper into detectable signals, enabling non-contact measurement and avoiding the need for direct mechanical interaction.
2Productivity
If a sensor is disposed to face the side surface of the rolled paper for remaining amount detection, then productivity is improved through automated detection, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The near-end sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the outer peripheral surface position of the rolled paper, determines the winding amount, and triggers remaining amount alerts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms while maintaining high detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically detects the remaining amount of rolled paper without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically processes the sensor signals and generates alerts when the paper is running low, enabling fully automated operation.
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
Enables accurate remaining amount detection of rolled paper with a simple structure, preventing erroneous detection due to paper pressing and tension, and notifying the user when the paper is low.
Implementation Method 1
the near-end sensor outputs a detection signal where a diameter of the rolled paper rotatably supported by the holder is a predetermined value or less
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a printer (1) prints on labels (502) attached to rolled paper (505) at predetermined intervals. The printer (1) includes a sensor (41) that outputs a detection signal where a diameter of the rolled paper (505) is a predetermined value or less. The printer (1) detects, on the basis of the detection signal output from the sensor (41), a near-end state during an issuing operation of one label (502). Further, the printer (1) determines, where the near-end state has been detected continuously for a predetermined number or more of labels (502), that a remaining amount of the rolled paper (505) has been a predetermined amount.