Printer Power Conversion Apparatus with Planetary Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal printers require multiple motors for paper transfer and cutting, leading to increased complexity, size, and conversion losses due to friction and self-load effects, which hinder miniaturization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus with a sun gear, planetary gear, and rotating link that selectively converts motor rotation into gear trains for paper transfer and cutting, using a pressing mechanism with semi-arch bushes and a coil spring to enhance adhesion and minimize conversion losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motors are used for paper transfer and cutting operations, then the reliability of each operation is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motors (paper transfer motor and cutting motor) into a single motor system. The power conversion apparatus uses a planetary gear mechanism with a sun gear, planetary gears, and rotating links to distribute power from one motor to both the paper transfer gear train and the cutting gear train, thereby reducing the number of motors while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor serves multiple functions by selectively driving different gear trains through the power conversion apparatus. The motor can transfer power to either the paper transfer mechanism or the cutting mechanism depending on the operational requirements, making the motor system universal and multi-functional
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors and gear trains are used, then the functionality is improved, but the conversion loss increases due to friction and self-load effects
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple power transmission paths into a single motor-driven system with a shared planetary gear mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of gear engagements and friction points. The power conversion apparatus minimizes conversion loss by efficiently transmitting power through the planetary gears and rotating links to the required gear train
3Device complexity
If a single motor is used for both paper transfer and cutting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to friction and self-load
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single motor and the two gear trains. It uses planetary gears and rotating links to efficiently distribute power while minimizing friction and self-load effects, thereby maintaining power conversion efficiency despite the dual-function requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating links in the power conversion apparatus dynamically adjust the power transmission path based on operational requirements. The links rotate to engage different gear trains, allowing the system to adaptively switch between paper transfer and cutting operations while maintaining efficient power conversion
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 allows for efficient power conversion with reduced motor revolutions and minimizes friction effects, enhancing the reliability and compactness of the printer by integrating paper transfer and cutting operations with a single motor, thus reducing conversion losses and operational time.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring configured to be mounted in a long-hole concave groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the bushes
Implementation Method 2
the power transfer gear 4 connected to the pinion 3 by the driving lever 5 is connected to the idle gear 18 by moving the pinion 3 in a rotation direction due to a friction driving force between the pinion 3 and the power transfer gear 4
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a power conversion apparatus comprises a power motor and a power converter configured to selectively convert rotation power of the power motor into a gear train 340 for transferring and a gear train for cutting, respectively, depending on a rotation direction of the power motor. The power converter comprises a sun gear configured to receive power from the power motor, a planetary gear configured to receive a rotating force while being engaged with the sun gear and to selectively couple with the gear train for cutting and the gear train for transferring, respectively, a rotating link configured to constrain a position of the sun gear, and a pressing means configured increase an adhesion between the sun gear and the rotating link.