Smart Label Printer With Downward Hinge and Photoelectric Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label printers face issues with paper jamming, complex locking mechanisms, and obstructed space when replacing paper, leading to increased risk of damage and difficulty in handling different paper sizes.

Innovation Solution

A smart label printer design featuring a hinged printing module, through-beam photoelectric switch, paper exit sensor, and controller that allows for accurate paper placement, intelligent paper length identification, and easy paper replacement without a paper bin, enabling efficient printing of various paper sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the printing module is opened upward to resolve paper jamming, then paper replacement becomes easier, but the upper cover module blocks the hand and creates safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper replacement easeVSAvoidhand blocking hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The printing module is designed to open downward instead of upward. The printer base is provided with a buckling structure that allows the printing module to be buckled downward, clearing the space above the paper feed channel and eliminating the hand blocking hazard while maintaining paper replacement functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If locking mechanisms are added to prevent the printing module from falling, then printer damage is prevented, but the structure becomes complex and size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter damage preventionVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A buckling structure is provided on the printer base, and a buckling structure is provided on the printing module. These buckling structures enable the printing module to be buckled downward and fixed in place through elastic deformation, achieving reliable positioning without complex locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The buckling structures utilize elastic deformation to automatically lock the printing module in the downward position. The elastic component deforms during buckling and returns to its original shape to maintain the locked state, providing self-servicing functionality without additional locking components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed label print paper is used, then the printer structure is simple, but it is troublesome to adjust when replacing paper of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter structure simplicityVSAvoidpaper size adjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A through-beam photoelectric switch is provided, including an emission sensor and a receiving sensor. The photoelectric switch detects the position of the label paper and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the printing position to match the actual paper size, eliminating the need for manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment of paper position is replaced by an automatic detection and adjustment system. The photoelectric switch detects paper position, and the controller automatically positions the print head, substituting mechanical adjustment with an automated sensing and control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Volume of moving object

If the paper feed channel space is obstructed by the upper cover module, then the printer structure is compact, but paper replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter compactnessVSAvoidpaper replacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing module opens downward instead of upward, reversing the traditional design. This inversion clears the space above the paper feed channel, allowing easy paper replacement while maintaining printer compactness through the buckling mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 reduces paper waste, simplifies paper replacement, and allows for precise printing of different label sizes, decreasing operational complexity and costs while maintaining a compact printer size.

Implementation Method 1

a through-beam photoelectric switch, including an emission sensor and a receiving sensor, where the emission sensor is disposed in the printer base, the receiving sensor is disposed in the printing module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12049077B2Smart label printer and printing method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 XIAMEN IPRT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a smart label printer and a printing method thereof. The printer is provided with a print channel, a through-beam photoelectric switch, a paper exit sensor, a rubber roller shaft, a controller and the like in cooperation with a printing module for printing. According to the printing method disclosed by the present invention, the label paper can be printed in a correct position more accurately, reducing the waste of the label paper, and the printer can intelligently identify the length of the printed label paper, and can be applied to print label paper in different sizes.