Actuated Pinch Roller Mechanism for Continuous Printer Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers and cutting devices require manual intervention to adjust pinch rollers during printing or cutting, leading to temporary pauses and reduced productivity due to the inability to automatically elevate or lower pinch rollers outside of programmed operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating actuators upstream of pinch rollers that allow for independent elevation or lowering, enabling operation from a side opposite to the print or cutting heads, even during active printing or cutting, thus allowing for desired timing adjustments without pausing the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the printer head and cutting head run before the lever, then automatic program execution is enabled, but manual adjustment of pinch rollers during printing or cutting is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pinch roller adjustment function into two independent parts: (1) automatic program-controlled execution for scheduled adjustments, and (2) manual override capability through accessible levers. This segmentation allows both automatic operation and manual intervention to coexist without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator and the pinch roller. The lever can be operated manually to directly elevate or lower the pinch roller, providing a mechanical mediation that bypasses the program control sequence when immediate adjustment is needed.
2Ease of operation
If the printing operation is paused for manual lever operation, then pinch roller adjustment is possible, but printing state changes and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static program-controlled state to a dynamic state where manual intervention can occur at any time. The lever mechanism is designed to be operable during printing or cutting operations, allowing real-time adjustment without pausing the automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is positioned and designed to allow preliminary manual adjustment before problems occur, or immediate adjustment when issues arise, preventing the need to pause operations for routine maintenance or corrections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pinch rollers need adjustment during printing, then individual control is required, but conventional systems lack independent actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Each pinch roller assembly is equipped with its own independent lever mechanism, allowing individual control of each roller. This segmentation enables precise adjustment of specific rollers without affecting others, providing granular control over the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides more control capability than strictly necessary by allowing manual adjustment of any pinch roller at any time, even when program-controlled adjustment would suffice. This excessive action ensures adaptability to unexpected conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a driving roller to move a medium supported on a support table in a predetermined transportation direction, and pinch roller assemblies each including a pinch roller, a support to support the pinch roller to allow the pinch roller to contact, or to be spaced from, the driving roller, and an actuator provided upstream in the transportation direction with respect to the pinch roller. The actuator includes a contact portion contactable with the support, and an operation portion to press the contact portion to the support to move the pinch roller in a direction away from the driving roller.