Printer Tray Sensor Wiring Layout via Tip-End Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing printing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently routing and configuring wiring for sensors that detect the insertion and extraction of medium accommodating sections, leading to complex layouts and operational difficulties due to the separation of sensor and circuit board positions.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus design where a medium accommodating section is positioned with end sections on both sides, allowing the sensor to identify mounting and removal by engaging with one end section and releasing from the other, with the circuit board and mechanism arranged on either side, simplifying wiring configuration and reducing the risk of mechanical stress on holding sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is positioned far from the circuit board to accommodate the medium accommodating section in the central region, then the medium accommodating section can be properly arranged, but the wiring routing becomes complex and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the sensor at the tip end of the medium accommodating section in the insertion direction, utilizing the depth dimension (insertion direction) rather than only the width dimension. This spatial arrangement in the insertion direction allows the sensor to be close to the circuit board in the width direction, simplifying wiring routing while maintaining proper accommodation section placement.
2Reliability
If the sensor and circuit board are positioned at separated locations, then the medium accommodating section can be properly mounted, but the wiring configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tip end section of the medium accommodating section as an intermediary element that the sensor detects. This allows the sensor to be positioned at the tip end where it can effectively detect insertion and extraction, while the wiring can be routed through the accommodating section structure to reach the circuit board, simplifying the overall wiring configuration.
3Device complexity
If the holding mechanism is positioned close to the sensor, then the mechanism can be compact, but the mechanism may interfere with the sensor detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the medium accommodating section into functional segments: the tip end section for sensor detection and the section with the holding mechanism for mechanical operation. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect the tip end section during insertion and extraction without interference from the holding mechanism, while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A lower level tray has a pair of protruding sections on both end sides in a width direction at tip ends in an insertion direction. Arrangement spaces are provided on both sides which interpose the lower level tray, which is in a mounting position in an apparatus body, in the width direction. A holding mechanism of a supply mechanism configured to be operated by engaging with a first protruding section while the lower level tray is mounted and be released from operating due to terminating the engaging with the first protruding section while the lower level tray is taken out, is arranged in one of the arrangement spaces. A circuit board connected through a wiring with a second sensor which is configured to detect mounting and taking out of the lower level tray using the second protruding section as the target for identification is arranged in the other arrangement space.