Magnetic Paper Position Sensor for Ticket Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paper position sensors in printers, particularly in gaming machines, are inadequate for accurately determining the position of paper without markings, leading to potential paper jams and printing malfunctions, and there is a need for an economical and practical solution to ensure the validation number is printed correctly.
Innovation Solution
A paper position sensor system comprising a paper guide with an upper and lower guide, a rotatably connected position sensor wheel with a magnetic element, and a sensor chip that calculates the rotational position of the wheel as paper passes through, utilizing friction-enhancing agents and embedded magnetic elements for precise tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect paper position, then paper position can be detected, but markings on the paper are required which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors with a magnetic field-based sensor system. A magnetic element is attached to the paper, and a magnetic sensor detects its position without requiring optical markings on the paper itself, thereby simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic element as an intermediary between the paper and the sensor. This magnetic element serves as a mediator that carries position information through magnetic field interaction, eliminating the need for direct optical detection of paper markings
2Measurement precision
If fixed distance sensors are used to detect paper position, then paper position can be determined, but paper jams occur when operator pulls or holds the paper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by tracking the magnetic element's position in real-time as the paper moves. This continuous monitoring allows the system to detect and respond to unexpected paper movement or operator intervention, preventing paper jams through proactive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed-distance mechanical sensing with a magnetic field-based tracking system that can dynamically follow paper movement without physical contact, eliminating the mechanical constraints that cause paper jams
3Device complexity
If no position sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but validation number printing cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (requiring complex imaging and analysis) to magnetic field properties (simple field detection). This parameter change enables reliable position tracking with simpler sensors, ensuring validation number printing verification without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element acts as an intermediary that provides reliable position information to the sensor system, enabling accurate validation of ticket printing while keeping the sensor system itself relatively simple
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 determination of paper position within the printer, reducing paper jams and allowing for validation of ticket validity, even if partially printed, by providing precise data on the ticket's progress through the printer.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor chip positioned adjacent to said sensor wheel, the sensor chip sensing the magnetic element on the sensor wheel
Implementation Method 2
said sensor wheel is frictionally engaged and rotated by movement of a paper through the paper guide along the paper path
Data Source
AI summary
A paper position sensor for a ticket printer is disclosed. The ticket printer includes a blank ticket tray and a paper guide consisting of an upper and lower guide, which lower guide contains a position sensor wheel that rotates as a result of the frictional contact with the blank ticket, as the ticket passes over the sensor wheel on its way through the guides. The wheel contains an embedded magnetic element such that as the wheel turns, which magnetically provides rotational position information to an adjacently-mounted sensor chip, which is able to determine, magnetically, the position of the wheel. The sensor chip provides data to the printer control as to the position of the ticket through the printer, and thus the printer control is now able to determine the precise position of the ticket in the printer.