Cantilevered Roll Mounting Assembly with Yieldable Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting assemblies for rolls of webs require complex adjustments and multiple steps for loading and unloading, and struggle to center-justify rolls of different widths without reconfiguring stops.
Innovation Solution
A cantilevered support with yieldable stops and a rotatable second stop that shifts between alignment and non-alignment positions, allowing for easy sliding of rolls onto or off the assembly without separate unlatching, and maintaining center-justification for rolls of the same width without stop reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustments and multiple steps are used for loading and unloading rolls, then the mounting assembly can accommodate different roll widths, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly employs movable stops that can be dynamically repositioned along the support structure. The stops are designed to slide freely during loading/unloading operations and can be locked into position once the roll is mounted, providing adaptability without permanent complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is divided into independent functional segments: the support structure, the movable stops, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining versatility
2Manufacturing precision
If stops are reconfigured for each roll width, then center-justification is achieved, but the process requires multiple steps and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly automatically maintains center-justification through its geometric design. The support structure and stop positioning are configured so that when stops are placed at their extreme positions, they naturally define the centered location for the roll, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The stops are pre-positioned at their extreme locations on the support structure. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the roll is loaded between the stops, center-justification is automatically achieved without requiring subsequent adjustments or reconfigurations
3Reliability
If separate unlatching is required for unloading rolls, then the roll is securely held during operation, but the unloading process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent mechanism from the stop structure. The locking mechanism engages automatically when the roll is mounted but can be independently released without affecting the stop positioning, allowing secure holding during operation while simplifying the unloading process
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
Enables simple, one-handed loading and unloading of rolls with minimal parts, maintaining center-justification for rolls of the same width without stop adjustments, improving efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the second stop being deflectable and including a first engageable surface, the roll being positionable between and in contact with the first stop and the engageable surface of the second stop, and wherein the core cooperates with the first engageable surface and deflects the second stop upon sliding the core off the support
Implementation Method 2
one of the stops being yieldable and having a first engageable cam surface, the stops being spaced apart and capable of straddling a core for web materials, the core having opposite ends capable of engaging the stops, and wherein one end of the core is cooperable with the first cam surface to cam the yieldable stop out of the way as the core is slid off the support
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a printer including a print head and a mounting assembly for a web roll having a core. The mounting assembly can center-justify the roll with respect to the print head. The roll can be loaded simply by pushing the roll slidably onto the mounting assembly and unloaded by pulling the roll or its core slidably off the mounting assembly using one hand. In some embodiments, there is no need separately to undo any latch or to free the roll or its core from any latch other than by pushing or pulling on the roll or the core. In another embodiment, one of the stops is pivoted either to trap the core between the one stop and another stop or to enable the core to be slid onto the support to a position between the stops or to be slid off the support.