Thermal Printer Cover Hinge Mechanism for Dual-Side Printing Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal printers with dual-side printing capabilities face challenges in maintaining high position accuracy of thermal heads with respect to platen rollers, leading to increased production costs, frequent thermal head replacement due to friction, and higher initial costs for users who may not initially need dual-side printing.

Innovation Solution

The thermal printer employs a hinge mechanism with a concave section and torsion coil springs to accurately locate and position thermal heads relative to platen rollers, using a combination of first and second locating mechanisms to ensure precise alignment and reduce wear on thermal heads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If thermal heads and platen rollers are arranged in separated members (upper frame and main body), then dual-side printing capability is achieved, but position accuracy management becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-side printing capabilityVSAvoidposition accuracy management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The upper frame is divided into a first frame supporting the first platen roller and a second frame supporting the second thermal head, connected by a connector that enables independent positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be precisely located without requiring complex overall positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connector acts as an intermediary between the first and second frames, providing a reference axis for positioning. The connector includes a reference axis that the second frame uses to accurately position the second thermal head relative to the first platen roller, simplifying position accuracy management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If thermal heads always touch thermal recording paper for printing, then printing function is maintained, but thermal heads abrade away and require frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting functionVSAvoidthermal head durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first platen roller is configured to be movable between a first position for single-side printing and a second position for dual-side printing. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different printing needs while reducing unnecessary contact between thermal components and paper, thereby reducing wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If both side printing thermal printer is purchased initially, then dual-side printing capability is available, but initial introduction cost becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-side printing capabilityVSAvoidinitial introduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enhances the accuracy of thermal head positioning, reduces wear and replacement costs, and provides a more economical option for users by allowing for single-side printing initially with the option for dual-side printing later, while maintaining efficient operation and reducing initial introduction costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first frame (134) and a second frame (135) which are connected to each other by the connector (136), wherein the second frame (135) is rotatable with respect to the first frame (134)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2284012B1Dual-side printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.10.23 TOSHIBA TEC KK

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AI summary

A thermal printer (111) has a main body (113), a cover body (115), a hinge mechanism (116), a first locating mechanism (151), and a second locating mechanism (152). At the time of a shift from a second state where the cover body (115) is opened with respect to the main body (113) to a first state where the cover body (115) covers the main body (113), the first locating mechanism (151) locates a first platen roller (124) of the cover body (115) with respect to a first thermal head (112) of the main body (113), and arranges a second thermal head (114) of the cover body (115) in the vicinity of a second platen roller (122) of the main body (113). The second locating mechanism (152) locates the second thermal head (114) arranged in the vicinity of the second platen roller (122) by the first locating mechanism (151) with respect to the second platen roller (122) of the main body (113).