Tape Printing Apparatus Hook Length Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tape printing apparatuses are limited in detecting the type of tape cartridges due to constraints on the number of case holes, which restricts the detection of multiple types of cartridges based on hook lengths.

Innovation Solution

A tape printing apparatus with a cartridge mounting portion that includes hooks of different lengths and a detection portion whose output changes based on the hook length, allowing for the detection of multiple types of tape cartridges by positioning the detecting device differently for varying hook lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If case holes are used for detecting tape cartridge types, then detection capability is achieved, but the number of detectable types is limited due to constrained area for case holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of detectable tape cartridge typesVSAvoidarea available for case holes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using case holes (two-dimensional surface features) to using hook lengths (one-dimensional linear feature) for detection. By measuring the length of hooks along the mounting direction, the system can distinguish multiple tape cartridge types without being constrained by the limited surface area available for detection features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from the presence/absence pattern of case holes to the continuous variable of hook length. By measuring different hook length values (first length, second length, etc.), the system can identify multiple tape cartridge types, effectively increasing detection capability beyond what discrete case hole patterns can provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple case holes are provided to detect different tape cartridge types, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetape cartridge type detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of case holes required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces multiple discrete case holes with a continuous measurement approach using hook length. A single detection portion can measure various hook length values to distinguish between different tape cartridge types, achieving high detection accuracy without requiring multiple separate detection features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detection portion is designed to universally detect different tape cartridge types by measuring hook length, a single parameter that can take multiple values. This multi-functional detection mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized case holes or detection features for different cartridge types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10336103B2Tape printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A tape printing apparatus includes a cartridge mounting portion in which a tape cartridge is mounted, the tape cartridge including a first case that has a first hook, a length of which is different for a plurality of types of tape cartridge, and a second case that has a first hook receiving portion with which the first hook engages is mounted, and a first hook detection sensor in which the output changes depending on the length of the first hook in a state in which a tape cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion.