Printer Roll Paper Near-End Detection with Dual Displacement Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require user intervention to adjust the paper end detector position when the installation angle of the printer changes, preventing automatic detection of the near-end state of roll paper.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a roll paper compartment featuring first and second displacement portions that adjust based on roll paper diameter and a single detection sensor to automatically detect the near-end state of roll paper, regardless of printer posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect both displacement portions, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised due to the need to differentiate between two detection positions
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor is divided into two distinct detection sections: a first detection section for detecting the first displacement portion and a second detection section for detecting the second displacement portion. This segmentation allows each section to independently and accurately detect its corresponding displacement without interference, maintaining measurement precision while using only one sensor component.
2Device complexity
If the paper end detector position is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different installation angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed detector position, the system uses two displacement portions that can dynamically change their positions based on the installation angle. The first displacement portion responds to gravity when the first surface is downward, and the second displacement portion responds when the second surface is downward. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to automatically adjust to different installation angles without requiring manual repositioning or additional adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for each displacement portion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating two detection sections within one component. The first detection section detects the first displacement portion, while the second detection section detects the second displacement portion. This multi-functional design achieves reliable detection for both displacement portions without requiring separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and conserving internal space.
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
Enables automatic detection of roll paper near-end state without user intervention, even when the printer's posture is changed, reducing errors and conserving space within the device.
Implementation Method 1
a first displacement portion located at a first pressing position at which the first displacement portion is pressed by the roll paper when a diameter of the roll paper placed on the first placement surface is larger than a first diameter
Implementation Method 2
a second displacement portion located at a second pressing position at which the second displacement portion is pressed by the roll paper when a diameter of the roll paper placed on the second placement surface is larger than a second diameter
Implementation Method 3
a detection section having a single sensor and detecting a displacement of the first displacement portion and a displacement of the second displacement portion
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a first projecting/retracting portion located at a first pressing position when a diameter of a roll paper R is larger than a first diameter and located at a first release position when the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the first diameter in a case where the printing apparatus is installed in a first posture, a second projecting/retracting portion located at a second pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper R is larger than a second diameter and located at a second release position when the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the second diameter in a case where the printing apparatus is installed in a second posture, and a detection section having a single sensor and detecting a displacement of the first projecting/retracting portion and a displacement of the second projecting/retracting portion by the sensor.