Printer Paper Size Sensing With Inductor and Photoelectric Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers lack a paper size measuring function, leading to incorrect paper size settings that can cause issues like paper jams, printing errors, and wastage of consumables.
Innovation Solution
A structure and method for automatically measuring paper size using a width adjustment mechanism, restraint arms, a photoelectric sensor, and an inductor within the printer, which allows for indirect measurement of paper width via displacement signals and direct measurement of paper length using the photoelectric sensor and paper feeding module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user manually measures and sets paper size using external tools, then the printer can achieve accurate paper size configuration, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs self-measurement of paper size using internal sensors (photoelectric sensor and inductor) without requiring external measurement tools. The system automatically detects paper width through the inductor's displacement signals and paper length through the photoelectric sensor, enabling the device to serve itself in determining paper dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with automated sensing systems. The inductor converts mechanical displacement of the restraint arm into electrical displacement signals, and the photoelectric sensor converts paper length measurement into timing signals, substituting manual measurement operations with automated electromechanical sensing.
2Productivity
If the user sets paper size without accurate measurement, then the operation becomes simple and fast, but printing errors and consumable waste occur
Solution Approach 1:
The printer automatically determines paper size through internal sensors without requiring user measurement or manual input. The system self-configures paper width and length parameters, eliminating manual operation while ensuring accurate printing through automated detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the inductor's displacement signals and the photoelectric sensor's timing signals to automatically adjust and confirm paper size settings. The controller processes these sensor feedback signals to determine accurate paper dimensions, ensuring printing reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a paper size measuring function is added to the printer, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a positioning component for the restraint arm and a measurement sensor for paper width. The displacement signals from the inductor's movement are used to determine paper width, eliminating the need for separate measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical restraint arm movement and the electronic measurement system. It converts mechanical displacement into electrical displacement signals that the controller can process, bridging the mechanical and electronic domains without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms.
4Loss of time
If manual paper size setting is used, then the system remains simple, but time is wasted on measurement and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs automatic paper size determination without user intervention. The system self-measures paper width through the inductor and paper length through the photoelectric sensor, eliminating the time users would spend on manual measurement and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs paper size measurement automatically before printing operations begin. The controller determines paper dimensions in advance through sensor detection, so that paper size configuration is completed preliminarily without affecting subsequent printing efficiency.
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
Enables accurate paper size determination without the need for external measurement tools, reducing printing errors and improving efficiency by automatically adjusting print settings.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric sensor installed at a paper inlet of the printer
Implementation Method 2
an inductor also arranged inside the printer, and the width adjustment mechanism or the restraint arm triggers the inductor when sliding unidirectionally
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a structure and a method for automatically measuring a paper size for a printer, where the structure includes: a width adjustment mechanism installed in the printer, at least one restraint arm driven by the width adjustment mechanism, a photoelectric sensor installed at a paper inlet of the printer, and a paper feeding module, where an inductor is also arranged inside the printer, and the width adjustment mechanism or the restraint arm triggers the inductor when sliding unidirectionally. Benefits of the present invention are as follows: