Printer Sensor System for Early Platen Wrap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face issues with platen wrap, which causes jams and is difficult to remedy, especially when linerless media wraps around the platen roller, leading to frustrating user experiences and printer malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a printer system with a processor, first sensor positioned upstream from the printing component, and a second sensor downstream, configured to detect media movement and generate signals for the processor to determine when the media is expected to be detected, allowing for early detection of platen wrap conditions and prevention of jams by stopping the printing process and alerting the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional printers continue printing without detection systems, then productivity is maintained, but platen wrap causes jams and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of platen wrap conditions before actual jams occur. The first sensor detects media presence upstream, and the processor calculates expected detection timing, allowing early intervention before the media fully wraps around the platen roller and causes a malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the first sensor continuously monitors media presence, the processor compares actual detection timing against expected timing based on media feed rate, and the system adjusts or alerts when deviations indicate platen wrap conditions, enabling continuous operation with high reliability.
2Reliability
If sensors and detection systems are added to detect platen wrap, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensor serves multiple functions: it detects media presence for platen wrap prevention, tracks media feed rate for timing calculations, and provides data for both early warning and active intervention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each detection purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor utilizes existing media feed rate information and timing data already present in the printing system's control logic, combining it with sensor input to perform the detection calculations. The system leverages its own operational parameters rather than requiring entirely separate detection infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the system stops printing early to prevent jams, then reliability improves, but productivity and loss of time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting platen wrap conditions early and stopping printing before actual jams occur. The processor monitors the timing between media passage at the first sensor and expected passage at the platen, and intervenes preemptively when deviations indicate wrapping, preventing the harmful jam condition rather than reacting to it.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of an assembly has a landing pad configured to receive media after the media is cut. The landing pad defines a first end adjacent a cutter, a second end opposite the first end, and a gap positioned between the first end and the second end. The assembly has an emitter, wherein the gap is configured to allow light from the emitter to pass through the gap when the media is not located on the landing pad.