Platen Recessed Portion Reduces False Detection in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face reduced detection accuracy due to reflected light from the platen when the printing medium is absent, requiring costly and labor-intensive anti-reflective treatments, which can be difficult to apply depending on the platen's shape.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a recessed portion in the platen featuring a primary reflection surface and a secondary reflection surface, where the secondary surface is either parallel, diffuses, or rougher than the primary surface, overlapping with the support surfaces in the optical axis direction, effectively reducing false detection by directing reflected light away from the light-receiving unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If anti-reflective treatment is applied to the platen, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a recessed portion that creates a new spatial dimension (depth) in the platen structure. By forming a recess with specific depth and cross-sectional shape, the solution moves from a two-dimensional surface treatment approach to a three-dimensional structural approach, allowing reflected light to be directed away from the light-receiving unit through geometric configuration rather than surface coating
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful reflected light into a beneficial effect by using the recessed portion's reflective surfaces to redirect the light away from the light-receiving unit. The reflection that would normally cause false detection is now utilized to direct light toward the bottom of the recessed portion, where it does not interfere with detection, effectively turning the harmful reflection into a useful light-guiding mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wide range anti-reflective treatment is provided, then reflected light is sufficiently reduced, but processing cost and man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the platen by introducing a recessed portion with specific depth, width, and cross-sectional shape. This parameter change creates a structural solution that reduces reflected light without requiring extensive surface treatment, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and processing time while maintaining effectiveness in suppressing harmful reflections
3Measurement precision
If anti-reflective treatment is applied, then detection accuracy is improved, but it becomes difficult to apply depending on platen shape
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from surface-level anti-reflective treatment to a three-dimensional recessed structure, the invention creates a solution that can be adapted to various platen shapes. The recessed portion can be integrated into different platen geometries, making the solution more versatile and applicable across diverse design configurations without being constrained by surface accessibility issues
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
This configuration enhances detection accuracy by minimizing false detection and reducing the need for extensive anti-reflective treatments, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective operation while maintaining design flexibility and potentially enabling miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
a recessed portion is provided in the platen, the recessed portion including a primary reflection surface receiving the detection light and a secondary reflection surface receiving the detection light reflected by the primary reflection surface
Implementation Method 2
the secondary reflection surface may be a surface that diffuses and reflects incident light
Implementation Method 3
the secondary reflection surface may be a surface rougher than the primary reflection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a transport unit configured to transport a printing medium, a platen that includes a first support surface supporting the printing medium, a light-emitting unit configured to emit detection light toward a transport path of the printing medium, and a light-receiving unit provided adjacently to the light-emitting unit and configured to detect reflected light of the detection light, wherein a recessed portion is provided in the platen, the recessed portion including a primary reflection surface receiving the detection light and a secondary reflection surface receiving the detection light reflected by the primary reflection surface, and the first support surface and the secondary reflection surface overlap in an optical axis direction of the detection light.