Paper Conveying Device with Movable Guide for Accurate Roll Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Paper conveying devices that mount the center of the roll paper as a reference face detection accuracy issues when handling rolls of different widths due to varying distances between the near-end sensor and the roll paper, leading to deteriorated detection accuracy for narrower rolls.

Innovation Solution

A paper conveying device with a support shaft and a movable guide that positions the roll paper in the center of the width direction, combined with a reflective optical sensor attached to the guide, maintains consistent detection accuracy by ensuring the sensor's distance to the roll paper remains constant regardless of roll width, using a rack and pinion mechanism to adjust the guide's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the center of the roll paper is mounted as a reference, then the paper conveying device can handle various roll paper widths, but the detection accuracy of the near-end sensor deteriorates when narrow roll paper is loaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various roll paper widthsVSAvoidnear-end sensor detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide is made movable in the width direction to dynamically adjust its position according to the loaded roll paper width. The guide moves to a position where it contacts the side surface of the roll paper, ensuring that the sensor attached to the guide maintains a constant distance from the roll paper surface regardless of whether narrow or wide roll paper is loaded, thereby resolving the contradiction between handling various widths and maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed position sensor is used, then the device structure is simple, but the detection accuracy varies depending on the loaded roll paper width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor mounting structureVSAvoidnear-end sensor detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide is made movable in the width direction to dynamically adjust its position according to the loaded roll paper width. The guide moves to a position where it contacts the side surface of the roll paper, ensuring that the sensor attached to the guide maintains a constant distance from the roll paper surface regardless of whether narrow or wide roll paper is loaded, thereby resolving the contradiction between handling various widths and maintaining detection accuracy

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

The solution ensures accurate near-end detection of roll paper diameter changes across various widths, maintaining detection precision and preventing sensor accuracy deterioration, even with narrower rolls.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective optical sensor and is fixed at a predetermined position on the paper conveying device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240351814A1Paper conveying device

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A paper conveying device includes a support shaft configured to pivotally support a roll of paper having a center measured in a width direction, a guide movable in the width direction of the roll based on a size of the roll and configured to position the center of the roll in a reference position, and a sensor coupled to the guide and configured to detect that the roll contains less than a threshold amount of paper based on a diameter of the roll.