Single Head Receipt Printer with Movable Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point of sale receipt printers are either expensive and unreliable due to the need for multiple print heads or require slower impact or inkjet mechanisms for printing on plain paper checks and forms, which are not as efficient as thermal printing.
Innovation Solution
A receipt printer that combines a laser printer mechanism and a thermal print mechanism using a single light source, allowing for printing on both plain paper and thermal paper without the need for multiple print heads or impact/inkjet mechanisms, utilizing a single paper path and a light source that moves between positions to operate both mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print heads are used to print on both thermal paper and plain paper, then printing versatility is improved, but device cost and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the single print head capable of performing multiple printing functions - thermal printing for receipts and impact printing for checks/forms - thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized print heads while maintaining printing versatility across different paper types
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print heads are used to print on both thermal paper and plain paper, then printing versatility is improved, but device cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the single print head capable of performing multiple printing functions - thermal printing for receipts and impact printing for checks/forms - thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized print heads while maintaining printing versatility across different paper types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges thermal printing and impact printing capabilities into a single integrated print head assembly, combining previously separate functions into one unified component that reduces overall device complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If impact or inkjet print mechanisms are used for plain paper printing, then printing capability is improved, but printing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the print head movable between different positions - it can be positioned to contact the thermal print mechanism for high-speed thermal printing or moved to contact the plain paper for impact printing, allowing the system to dynamically switch between printing modes based on paper type while maintaining capability for both
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 provides a low-cost, reliable printer capable of high-volume thermal paper and plain paper checks/forms printing, enhancing efficiency and reducing consumable costs by eliminating the need for additional print heads or mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the beam of the light source may be redirected after the beam is emitted from the light source by a movable mirror
Implementation Method 2
A second position allows the emitted beam to directly strike the thermal paper
Implementation Method 3
A first position allows an emitted beam to operate with the laser printer mechanism, by for example charging an OPC/toner mechanism, for printing on plain paper
Data Source
AI summary
A receipt printer which includes a light source providing a beam, a light source movement mechanism which moves the beam between a first position and a second position, a laser mechanism which receives the beam when the beam is in the first position and uses the beam to print onto plain paper, and a thermal mechanism that receives the beam when the beam is in the second position and uses the beam to print onto thermal paper is disclosed.