Printer Sensor Holder with Flexible Board Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer configurations require complex mechanisms and redundant wiring to detect recording sheet positions with different mark positions, leading to increased printer size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A thermal printer unit with a platen unit, sensor unit, and flexible board integration, where the sensor and connector are mounted on a single flexible board, allowing for simplified position detection without the need for extensive wiring or complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a moving mechanism is provided to move the sensor support device to detect recording sheets with different mark positions, then the adaptability to different mark positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support device is segmented into multiple independent sensor units, each capable of detecting marks at specific positions. This allows the system to handle different mark positions without requiring a complex moving mechanism, as each sensor unit is fixed at a predetermined position optimized for detecting marks at that location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates the appropriate sensor unit based on the detected mark position, rather than physically moving the sensor. This dynamic selection approach provides adaptability to different mark positions while maintaining a simple, static physical structure for each sensor unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If redundant wiring length is provided to connect the sensor support device at different positions, then the adaptability to different detection positions is improved, but the printer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring is segmented into separate, dedicated connections for each sensor unit rather than using a single long wire that must accommodate all possible sensor positions. Each sensor unit has its own wiring connected to the sensor support device, eliminating the need for redundant wiring length and reducing the overall printer size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing redundant wiring length in the spatial dimension to accommodate movement, the system uses a dimensional approach where multiple sensor units are arranged at different positions, and wiring is optimized for each specific position rather than providing extra length for potential repositioning.
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 enables efficient detection of recording sheet positions with reduced complexity and size, allowing for adaptable position detection on sheets with varying mark positions, thereby simplifying the printer configuration and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a head unit (4) including a thermal head (17)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor (41) configured to detect the recording sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing unit (3), includes: a head unit (4) including a thermal head (17); and a platen unit (5) combined with the head unit (4). The platen unit (5) including: a platen roller (7) configured to feed a recording sheet (P) while sandwiching the recording sheet (P) together with the thermal head (17); a platen frame (6) configured to support the platen roller (7) in a rotatable manner; a sensor unit (9) including: a sensor (41) configured to detect the recording sheet (P); a connector (42) connected to the sensor (41); and a connection portion (43) configured to connect the sensor (41) and the connector (42) to each other; and a sensor holder (8), which is mounted to the platen frame (6), and includes: a plurality of connector arrangement portions (62) through which a terminal (42a) of the connector (42) is to be exposed; and a plurality of sensor receiving portions (61) in which the sensor unit (9) is to be received.