Printer Paper Holder Near-End Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers with paper-near-end detection systems have a complex structure due to the integration of a turnable lever and detector within the printer body, which complicates the printer design and may impair operability when the paper holder is attached or detached.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a movable member in the paper holder and a detector within the printer body, allowing for paper-near-end detection without a complex structure, using a movable member that displaces based on paper amount and a photosensor to detect its position, notifying when the paper is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a turnable lever and detector are integrally provided in the printer body for paper-near-end detection, then paper-near-end detection function is achieved, but the structure of the printer body becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into two separate parts: a movable member attached to the paper holder and a detector attached to the printer body. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while maintaining the overall detection function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is extracted from the printer body and attached to the paper holder instead. This extraction simplifies the printer body structure by removing the need for complex internal mechanisms, while the detection function is preserved through the interaction between the movable member and detector.
2Reliability
If a turnable lever is provided in the printer body for paper-near-end detection, then detection function is achieved, but operability when paper holder is attached or detached is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the movable member from the printer body and attaching it to the paper holder, the system allows the paper holder to be freely attached and detached without affecting the printer body's internal structure, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member on the paper holder automatically interacts with the detector on the printer body when the paper holder is installed, enabling the detection function to activate itself without requiring additional setup or adjustment, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a complex structure with turnable lever and detector in printer body is used, then paper-near-end detection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the detection system into separate components (movable member on paper holder, detector on printer body) allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member can be implemented as a simple, inexpensive component on the disposable paper holder, while the detector is a durable component on the printer body. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity by using different manufacturing strategies for different components.
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 design simplifies the printer structure, maintains operability during paper holder attachment and detachment, and provides accurate paper remaining amount notifications without requiring complex mechanical components within the printer body.
Implementation Method 1
the turnable member being capable of rotationally moving between a pressing position in which the turnable lever is brought into contact with the roll paper and a non-pressing position in which the turnable lever is separated from the roll paper, and biased toward the non-pressing position by a spring or the like
Implementation Method 2
a movable member detector to detect a position of the movable member when the paper holder is set in the printer body is provided in the printer body
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a paper holder which includes a shaft portion for supporting roll paper, and a movable member in a predetermined vertical height position near and above a first end portion of the shaft portion. The movable member is configured to be displaced along an extending direction of the shaft portion between a pressing position, in which the movable member is brought into contact with and pressed against an end surface of the roll paper supported by the shaft portion, and a non-pressing position, in which the movable member is not in contact with the end surface of the roll paper. The movable member is also biased toward the non-pressing position. A movable member detector is configured to detect that the movable member is in the non-pressing position, and a remaining amount notifier is configured to notify that a remaining amount of the roll paper is low.