Printer Sensor Unit for Accurate Tape Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers that use cartridges for printing on various types of media face challenges in accurately detecting information related to the print-receiving medium due to the sensitivity of optical detection systems to the distance from the cartridge, leading to reduced detection accuracy if not properly positioned.
Innovation Solution
A printer design incorporating a dual sensor system where a mechanical sensor contacts the cartridge to determine the optimal positioning for an optical sensor, allowing for high-accuracy optical detection by ensuring the optical sensor is at the correct distance from the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical detection is performed at the optimum distance, then detection accuracy is improved, but the positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical sensor acts as an intermediary between the cartridge and the optical sensor. The mechanical sensor first contacts the cartridge to detect its presence and position, then transmits this information to position the optical sensor at the optimal detection distance, eliminating the need for complex direct positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical sensor performs preliminary detection by contacting the cartridge before the optical detection begins. This preliminary action establishes the correct positioning foundation, allowing the subsequent optical detection to occur at the optimal distance without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
2Device complexity
If a single optical sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different detection methods (mechanical contact detection and optical detection) into a single integrated sensor unit. The mechanical sensor provides reliable presence and positioning detection, while the optical sensor provides non-contact information detection, together achieving high reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from purely optical to a combination of mechanical contact and optical detection. The mechanical sensor detects physical presence and position parameters, while the optical sensor detects optical properties, providing complementary information that enhances overall detection reliability
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 enables reliable high-accuracy optical detection of the print-receiving medium, improving the precision of information retrieval, such as tape width and label position, by integrating mechanical and optical detection methods.
Implementation Method 1
the second sensor optically detecting the second information related to the print-receiving medium (e.g. the relative position of a label portion with respect to a printing head when using a print-receiving tape with a sheet separated into the label portion and a non-label portion by a cut)
Implementation Method 2
The first sensor is configured to bring a detector into contact with the medium cartridge and thereby detect first information related to the print-receiving medium, based on a result of the contact
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a printer including a cartridge holder, a feeder, a printing head, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The cartridge holder is configured to attach and detach a medium cartridge having a print-receiving medium. The first sensor is configured to bring a detector into contact with the medium cartridge and thereby detect first information related to the print-receiving medium, based on a result of the contact. The second sensor is configured to project light to the medium cartridge and thereby detect second information related to the print-receiving medium, based on a result of light reception corresponding to the projected light. The first sensor and the second sensor are integrated as a sensor unit configured to perform an advancing/retreating motion toward/from the medium cartridge.