Wireless Thermal Printhead Inductive Power Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal printheads require power and data cables, which occupy space, are prone to noise interference, and complicate maintenance due to their length and fragility, especially in compact printers.
Innovation Solution
A wireless thermal printhead system that uses inductive coils to receive power and a data receiver antenna to control the printhead, eliminating the need for physical cables and enhancing durability and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power and data cables are used to connect the thermal printhead, then the printhead can receive power and data, but the printer occupies more space and the cables are prone to noise interference and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission system. The thermal printhead incorporates a coil antenna that receives power wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical power and data cables, thereby reducing printer size and improving reliability by removing fragile cable connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If long power and data cables are used, then the printhead can be positioned flexibly, but the cables become fragile and complicated to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic induction eliminates mechanical cable connections, allowing the printhead to be positioned without being constrained by cable length or routing requirements. This removes the fragility and maintenance complexity associated with long cables while preserving positioning flexibility.
3Device complexity
If power cables are combined with data cables, then the connection system is integrated, but the combined cable is more prone to noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combined electrical cable system with wireless electromagnetic communication. The coil antenna receives power through electromagnetic induction while data is transmitted wirelessly, eliminating the electrical cable that serves as an antenna for noise interference. This maintains system integration while removing the harmful noise interference pathway.
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 wireless system reduces printer size, increases durability by eliminating cable connections, and simplifies printhead replacement and repair by freeing up space and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
receiving power wirelessly at a power receiving coil in a power receiver coil housing from an alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a data receiver housing having an antenna capable of receiving wireless signals to control the operation of the thermal printhead
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
Thermal printheads need a power and/or a data cable to deliver energy to the thermal printhead to print. With a wireless thermal printhead, however, a printer can run without using a power or a data cable. By removing the cable, benefits include shrinking the printer size, increasing durability of the printer and making it easier to change a thermal printhead.