Printer Ink Ribbon Tension Control via Reverse Motor Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face issues with ink ribbon slackness, which deteriorates printing quality due to inertia of the driving motor at the end of a printing operation, requiring manual intervention to apply tension, whereas an automated solution is desired.
Innovation Solution
A printer with a detection module using a reflected light sensor to detect slackness and a reverse rotation control module that automatically adjusts the feed motor to maintain tension in the ink ribbon between the holding and winding shafts, eliminating slackness without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driving motor operates at the end time of printing operation, then the ink ribbon is fed forward, but slackness occurs in the ink ribbon due to motor inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting slackness before it significantly deteriorates printing quality, and by applying reverse rotation to the feed motor to counteract the inertia-induced slackness. The detection module monitors the ink ribbon state continuously, and when slackness is detected, the reverse rotation control module activates to pull the ink ribbon back, preventing the harmful effect of excessive slackness before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through the detection module that continuously monitors the ink ribbon tension state and provides real-time information to the reverse rotation control module. When the detection module senses slackness, it triggers the reverse rotation of the feed motor, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts ink ribbon tension based on actual conditions, thereby maintaining printing quality without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual trigger signal is input to eliminate slackness by back feeding the ink ribbon supply shaft, then ink ribbon tension is restored, but operational complexity increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system embodies self-service by automatically detecting and correcting ink ribbon slackness without requiring manual intervention. The detection module continuously monitors the ink ribbon state, and when slackness is detected, the reverse rotation control module automatically activates to correct the issue. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually input trigger signals, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable ink ribbon tension.
3Ease of operation
If automated detection and reverse rotation control is implemented, then manual intervention is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses optical or sensor-based detection (detection module) and electronic motor control (reverse rotation control module). Instead of requiring manual trigger signals and mechanical back-feeding operations, the system uses automated sensing and electronic control to detect slackness and reverse the feed motor rotation, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through intelligent substitution.
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 automatically eliminates ink ribbon slackness, ensuring consistent printing quality by maintaining tension, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a detection module (52) which detects slackness of the ink ribbon (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a ribbon holding shaft winds an ink ribbon before printing. A ribbon winding shaft winds the ink ribbon after printing to collect the ink ribbon. A feed motor rotationally drives the ribbon holding shaft. A winding motor rotationally drives the ribbon winding shaft. A detection module detects slackness of the ink ribbon stretched between the ribbon holding shaft and the ribbon winding shaft. A ribbon feed control module forward rotates the winding motor to draw out the ink ribbon from the ribbon holding shaft to the printing section and further controls the ribbon winding shaft to wind the ink ribbon. A reverse rotation control module reversely rotates the feed motor to stretch the ink ribbon between the ribbon holding shaft and the ribbon winding shaft if the detection module detects the slackness of the ink ribbon.