Printer RFID Communication Unit with Light Guiding Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printers with transmissive sensors face challenges in securing a movable area for the communication unit while maintaining effective communication with RFID tags due to the sensor's thick substrate configuration, which hinders the movement of the communication unit.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a light guiding member to direct detection light from the light emitter to the printing medium, allowing the light emitter to be positioned freely without interfering with the communication unit, and using a movable communication unit with a moving mechanism to adjust its position for optimal communication with RFID IC chips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor unit is structured with the light emitting element and light receiving element provided to upper and lower sensor attachment holders, then the label can be detected effectively, but the movable area of the communication unit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel detection capabilityVSAvoidmovable area of communication unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A light guiding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the light emitting element and the printing medium. This light guiding member directs the detection light to the printing medium, allowing the light emitting element to be positioned at a location that does not interfere with the communication unit's movement, thereby resolving the spatial conflict between detection functionality and communication mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light emitting element is repositioned from a location that directly interferes with the communication unit to a different spatial position where it can still perform detection through the light guiding member. This dimensional repositioning allows the communication unit to move freely in its designated area while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the substrate is provided thick on the back surface side to support the light emitting element and light receiving element, then the sensor unit is structurally stable, but the movable area of the communication unit is difficult to secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor unit structural stabilityVSAvoidmovable area of communication unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light guiding member serves as a mediator that allows the light emitting element to be positioned away from the communication unit's movement path. This intermediary component enables the sensor unit to maintain its structural integrity while the communication unit enjoys expanded movable area without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the communication unit is made movable to communicate with RFID tags of various positions, then communication adaptability is improved, but the space required for movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication adaptability to RFID positionsVSAvoidspace required for communication unit movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting element and its substrate are extracted from the communication unit's movement path and repositioned to a location where they do not interfere with the communication unit's mobility. This extraction allows the communication unit to move freely within its designated area while maintaining detection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The light emitting element is repositioned in a different spatial dimension away from the communication unit's movement trajectory. This dimensional separation enables the communication unit to achieve full movement freedom while the detection function is maintained through the light guiding member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration secures a larger movable area for the communication unit without hindering communication, enabling flexible positioning and effective communication with RFID tags of varying sizes and shapes, while maintaining detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitter configured to emit the detection light; a light guiding member configured to guide the detection light, emitted from the light emitter, to the printing medium; and a light receiver configured to receive the detection light through the printing medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11897257B2Printer for printing on a printing medium having a radio frequency identification (RFID)

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 SATO CO LTD

AI summary

This printer performs printing on a print medium having an RFID, and comprises: a communication unit which has a communication part movably provided in a predetermined area along the transport surface of the print medium, and communicates with an IC chip of the RFID; and a detection unit which detects the print medium by means of detection light. The detection unit includes: a light emitting part that emits detection light; a light guide member that guides the detection light emitted from the light emitting part to the print medium; and a light receiving part that receives the detection light via the print medium.