Collapsible Take-Up Spindle for Safer Ribbon Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal transfer printers face challenges in efficiently and safely removing used ribbon material from the take-up spindle, often requiring manual slicing and handling that can be time-consuming and hazardous, with potential for ink spillage and mechanical complications.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible core assembly with a movable slider and wiper mechanism that allows single-handed operation to transition from an expanded state to a collapsed state, facilitating easy removal of used ribbon material by reducing tension and enabling smooth extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual slicing with a razor blade is used to remove used ribbon material, then the ribbon material can be removed from the take-up spindle, but the process becomes time-consuming and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hazardous slicing operation from the removal process by introducing a take-up spindle with a retractable portion. The used ribbon material is cut from the supply ribbon before winding onto the spindle, allowing the entire spool to be removed as a complete unit without requiring subsequent slicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable portion of the take-up spindle acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates easy removal. By retracting this portion, the user can disengage the spool from the spindle quickly without manual slicing, serving as a mediator between the ribbon material and the removal action.
2Ease of operation
If manual slicing with a razor blade is used to remove used ribbon material, then the ribbon material can be removed from the take-up spindle, but the process becomes hazardous and may cause ink spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hazardous slicing operation from the removal process by introducing a take-up spindle with a retractable portion. The used ribbon material is cut from the supply ribbon before winding onto the spindle, allowing the entire spool to be removed as a complete unit without requiring subsequent slicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable cutting mechanism where the ribbon is cut once before winding onto the spindle. This single cutting action eliminates the need for repeated slicing operations that pose safety risks, effectively using a one-time cut to prevent ongoing hazards.
3Ease of operation
If a retractable take-up spindle is used to aid removal of used ribbon material, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to rotating or threaded components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the take-up spindle portion retractable rather than fixed. This dynamic feature allows the spindle to adjust its configuration during operation - extending during printing and retracting during removal - simplifying the removal process without requiring complex rotating or threaded components.
Solution Approach 2:
The take-up spindle is segmented into a fixed portion and a retractable portion. This segmentation allows the retractable portion to be independently moved to facilitate removal, reducing the overall complexity compared to using a single complex mechanism for the entire spindle.
4Ease of operation
If extensive manual handling of used ribbon material is performed, then the ribbon material can be removed from the take-up spindle, but ink stains the clothing and skin of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hazardous slicing operation from the removal process by introducing a take-up spindle with a retractable portion. The used ribbon material is cut from the supply ribbon before winding onto the spindle, allowing the entire spool to be removed as a complete unit without requiring subsequent slicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable spindle mechanism performs the removal function automatically when activated. By retracting the spindle portion, the used ribbon spool is easily disengaged and removed without requiring the user to manually handle and slice the ribbon, allowing the system to serve itself in the removal process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spindle for facilitating removal of used ribbon material (134) in a printer is disclosed. The spindle includes a shaft (222) movably attached to the printer and a spindle arm (216) positioned on the shaft (222) for collecting the used ribbon material (134). The spindle arm (216) has a first side (346) and a second side (348) opposite the first side (346). The spindle includes a slider (230) disposed between the shaft (222) and the spindle arm (216) and configured for bidirectional movement along the shaft (222) between a first position and a second position. The spindle also includes a first wiper (220a) connected to the slider (230). A button (228) is connected to the slider (230) and operably engaging the shaft (222). Engaging the button (228) permits movement of the slider (230) along the shaft (222) from the first position to the second position thereby causing the first wiper (220a) to move the used ribbon material (134) toward an end of the spindle arm (216).