Printer Platen Roller Holding Mechanism for Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal-type printers require frequent replacement of the platen roller due to wear and environmental factors, and there is a need for a more portable and miniaturized printer design that simplifies the exchange and attachment process.
Innovation Solution
A printer design featuring a platen roller holding mechanism with a cross-sectional arc-shaped surface that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the platen roller, integrated with a label roll supporter and detector, enabling simple and efficient roller exchange and printer miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the platen roller is made detachable for easy replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional holding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The platen roller assembly is divided into separable components: the platen roller itself and the holding mechanism attached to the cover. This segmentation allows the platen roller to be easily removed and replaced by users without disassembling the entire printer, thereby improving ease of repair while keeping the holding mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer is designed to enable users to perform platen roller replacement themselves without requiring professional service intervention. The detachable design with simple holding mechanisms allows end-users to maintain the device, transforming a previously service-only task into a user-serviceable feature.
2Weight of moving object
If the printer is miniaturized for portability, then the weight and size are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to integrated multi-functional components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into single components to reduce overall printer size. The cover serves both as a protective enclosure and as the mounting structure for the platen roller holding mechanism. The label roll supporter is integrated with the platen roller holding mechanism, combining sheet feeding support with roller mounting functions in a single integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is designed to serve multiple purposes: it protects internal components, provides the mounting structure for the platen roller, and houses the holding mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby miniaturizing the printer while managing complexity through functional integration.
3Reliability
If the platen roller is securely held to ensure reliable feeding, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism employs a dynamic design where the holder can be easily moved between a locked position (securing the platen roller firmly for reliable feeding) and an unlocked position (allowing easy removal). This dynamic capability enables the same mechanism to provide both strong retention during operation and easy release during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The label roll supporter features a cross-sectional arc-shaped surface that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the platen roller. This curved geometry provides natural contact and secure holding during printing operations, while the smooth arc shape facilitates easy insertion and removal by guiding the roller into place without sharp edges or complex locking features.
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 facilitates easy and quick platen roller exchange and achieves printer miniaturization, enhancing portability and reducing maintenance complexity while ensuring smooth feeding of the printing medium.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal head disposed on the printer body, the thermal head configured to print on the sheet member
Implementation Method 2
a platen roller disposed on the opening and closing cover, the platen roller positioned at a location opposite to the thermal head and feeding the sheet member
Data Source
AI summary
A printer according to an embodiment includes: a printer body including a supplying part that rotatably holds a roll-shaped sheet member; an opening and closing cover configured to open and close with respect to the printer body; a thermal head disposed on the printer body, the thermal head configured to print on the sheet member; a platen roller disposed on the opening and closing cover, the platen roller positioned at a location opposite to the thermal head and feeding the sheet member in a closed configuration; and a platen roller holding mechanism configured to attachably and detachably secure the platen roller to the opening and closing cover. The platen roller holding mechanism includes a label roll supporter that rotatably guides the roll-shaped sheet member in the supplying part. The label roll supporter includes a cross-sectional arc-shaped surface.