Movable Probe Sheet Width Detection for Rolled Media

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet width detection devices face difficulties in accommodating rolled printing media due to the fixed interval between support portions, making it challenging to set the rolled media correctly.

Innovation Solution

A printing device with a first and second support portion, a movable probe, and a permission mechanism that allows the probe to move within a specific range to detect the rolled media's width, enabling easy placement and detection of rolled printing media by adjusting the support portions' distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the interval between support portions is fixed to match sheet width, then sheet width detection precision is improved, but rolled printing medium cannot be accommodated due to insufficient adjustment range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet width detection precisionVSAvoidaccommodation of rolled printing medium

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The movable probe is designed to move along the movable support portion's travel path, allowing the detection range to dynamically cover both the first range (where probe moves with support portion) and second range (where support portion moves independently). This dynamic detection mechanism enables accurate width detection for both sheets and rolled media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable range is segmented into two distinct ranges: first range where the interval between support portions is small and the probe moves with the support portion, and second range where the interval is large and the support portion moves independently while the probe remains stationary. This segmentation allows the system to handle different media types appropriately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the movable probe's travel range is extended to cover the entire movable range of the support portion, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and probe length increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capability across full rangeVSAvoidprobe movement mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable probe only needs to move within the first range (a partial range) rather than the entire movable range. In the second range, the probe remains stationary while the support portion moves independently. This partial action approach maintains full detection capability without requiring the probe to traverse the entire range, reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the interval between support portions is increased to accommodate rolled media, then adaptability is improved, but sheet width detection precision deteriorates due to probe detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of rolled printing mediumVSAvoidwidth detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the coupling between the probe and support portion based on the range. In the first range, the probe is coupled to the support portion for accurate detection. In the second range, the probe decouples and remains stationary while the support portion moves independently, maintaining detection accuracy for rolled media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates the setting and detection of rolled printing media by allowing the support portions to move within defined ranges, ensuring accurate positioning and efficient media handling without prolonging the probe's movement range.

Implementation Method 1

The tension coil spring urges the lever to nip the movable probe between the rib and the lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The sheet width detection device detects a width of the sheet placed between the pair of sheet width regulation members on a basis of a change in a resistance value in response to position of the movable probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10843489B2Printing device having sheet support portion movable to range exceeding sheet width and also exceeding range of sheet width detection

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing device includes a first support portion, a second support portion movable in a moving direction of the second support portion toward and away from the first support portion, a movable probe movably supported by a detector, and a permission mechanism. The movable range consists of a first range and a second range. The permission mechanism is configured to permit the movable probe to move in accordance with the movement of the second support portion in the separating/approaching direction relative to the first support portion in a case where the movement of the second support portion is within the first range, and is also configured to prevent the movable probe from moving irrespective of further movement of the second support portion relative to the first support portion in a case where the movement of the second support portion is within the second range.