Printer Recording Paper Storage Using Hollow Roll Holder

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printers that use rolled recording paper and require multiple passes for color printing need a recording paper storage unit, which increases the printer's size and limits the print area to the length of the stored paper, making them bulky and restricting longer image printing.

Innovation Solution

The printer utilizes the outer peripheral space of the rolled paper holder and gaps within the printer to create a storage space for temporarily holding the recording paper, eliminating the need for a separate storage unit and allowing for compact design and longer print areas by using a switching guide unit to direct the paper between storage and ejection paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a recording paper storage unit is provided between the head and the recording paper cutting unit, then the recording paper can be temporarily stored for multi-color printing, but the printer becomes larger due to the required installation space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-color printing capabilityVSAvoidprinter housing size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the hollow cylindrical structure of the rolled paper holder to create a nested storage space. The recording paper storage unit is formed within the hollow interior of the rolled paper holder, allowing the storage function to be nested inside the existing paper supply structure. This eliminates the need for separate storage space between the head and cutting unit, maintaining compact printer dimensions while enabling multi-color printing through temporary paper storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rolled paper holder is given dual functionality: it serves both as the paper supply mechanism and as the recording paper storage unit. By forming the storage unit within the hollow cylindrical body of the rolled paper holder, a single structure performs multiple functions (paper supply and temporary storage), thereby avoiding additional space requirements and maintaining a compact printer design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a sufficient distance is provided between the head and the recording paper storage unit, then the recording paper can be switched smoothly without damage, but the printer becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording paper switching smoothnessVSAvoiddistance between head and storage unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit is nested within the hollow cylindrical body of the rolled paper holder, positioning it in close proximity to the head. The switching guide means is configured to guide the recording paper from the storage unit through the hollow interior of the rolled paper holder to the head, providing a smooth transition path without requiring excessive distance. This nested arrangement maintains reliable paper switching while minimizing the printer's overall dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If the recording paper storage unit has a cylindrical shape to store rolled paper, then the paper can be stored, but the storage unit becomes vertically or horizontally large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording paper storage capacityVSAvoidstorage unit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the existing hollow cylindrical space of the rolled paper holder as the recording paper storage unit. By nesting the storage function within the existing cylindrical structure, the storage capacity is achieved without adding external volume. The storage unit shares the same spatial envelope as the paper supply mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cylindrical storage space and maintaining a compact overall printer design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Area of stationary object

If the length of recording paper in the storage unit is limited, then the storage unit size is constrained, but the image cannot be printed in a print area longer than the stored paper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage unit sizeVSAvoidprint area length capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic paper feeding where the recording paper is fed from the rolled paper holder in a controlled manner. For print areas longer than the storage unit capacity, the paper is continuously fed from the roll during the printing process. The switching guide means dynamically switches between storing shorter papers and feeding longer papers from the roll, allowing the printer to handle various print area lengths without being constrained by the storage unit size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8029202B2Printer with recording paper leading edge storage unit

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD

AI summary

A printer, which prints by repeatedly reciprocating a rolled recording paper and ejects a printed recording paper, has therein a recording paper storage unit in which the recording paper is temporarily stored. The recording paper storage unit has a configuration formed by at least a part of the periphery of the rolled recording paper or a configuration provided in a space between the rolled paper holder and an ejection slot. This configuration eliminates the need for separately providing a configuration in which a recording paper is set aside when printing a long sheet of printed material and, at the same time, makes the printer smaller.