Printer Print Head Power Control During Replacement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer technologies do not adequately prevent short circuits of the print head during replacement, as they do not account for incorrect connections between the print head and connector, leading to potential overcurrent and damage.

Innovation Solution

A printer design that includes a controller to stop the power supply to the print head when the platen roller and print head are separated, and a rotatable head cover with a moving mechanism to facilitate safe attachment and detachment of the connector, preventing incorrect connections and short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the printer remains ON during print head replacement, then the printer is ready for immediate operation after replacement, but incorrect connection of print head and connector can cause overcurrent and short circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter readiness for operationVSAvoidprint head safety during replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller stops power supply to the print head in advance before the replacement operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that even if incorrect connection occurs during replacement, no overcurrent can flow through the print head, preventing short circuit while maintaining readiness for immediate operation after correct replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors the connection state between the print head and connector through feedback signals. When the print head is detached or incorrectly connected, the controller detects this state and stops power supply accordingly, preventing harmful current flow while allowing immediate operation after proper reconnection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If power supply is continuously maintained during print head replacement, then no additional control actions are needed, but incorrect connection causes overcurrent and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply control mechanismVSAvoidovercurrent damage to print head

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically controls its own power supply based on the connection state without requiring external intervention. The controller self-regulates power delivery to the print head, stopping it when detachment or incorrect connection is detected, thereby preventing overcurrent damage while maintaining simple operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller takes preliminary anti-action by stopping power supply before any potential harmful current can flow through the print head during incorrect connection. This preventive measure eliminates the risk of overcurrent damage without requiring complex additional protection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3524435B1printer

Publication Date: 2021.09.15 SATO HLDG CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention is a printer that includes a platen roller to feed a print medium, a print head to print on the print medium fed by the platen roller, a connector that is attachable and detachable with respect to the print head the print head, and a controller to stop power supply to the print head via the connector when the platen roller and the print head are separated.