Disk Carrying Device with Detachable Idle Gear for Motor Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk carrying devices in optical disk recording/reproducing devices face increased motor load during disk insertion due to strong carrying force and inadequate ejection force, leading to potential slipping and gear noise, especially when dealing with warped disks or varying friction coefficients.
Innovation Solution
A disk carrying device with a gear array that includes a worm gear, a first idle gear, a second idle gear, and a roller gear, where the second idle gear is detachably engaged with the first idle gear, allowing for adjustable forces during insertion and ejection, reducing motor load and increasing ejection force by applying downward and upward forces respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the feed roller applies strong carrying force during disk insertion, then the disk is securely held and transported, but the motor load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gear engagement state variable rather than fixed. The second idle gear detachably engages with the first idle gear during different operational phases: engaged during insertion to reduce motor load, and disengaged during ejection to increase ejection force. This dynamic reconfiguration of the power transmission path allows the system to adapt force characteristics to operational needs without requiring a high-power motor for all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of gear engagement state to control force transmission. By switching between engaged and disengaged states of the second idle gear, the system modifies the mechanical advantage and force characteristics of the feed roller. During insertion, the engaged state provides appropriate carrying force with reduced motor load; during ejection, the disengaged state increases ejection force through spring action alone.
2Power
If the feed roller applies weak carrying force during disk ejection, then the motor load is reduced, but the disk may not be smoothly ejected especially when warped
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the force application mechanism during ejection. The second idle gear is disengaged from the first idle gear, isolating the ejection operation from the motor-driven gear train. This allows the ejection spring to provide unimpeded upward force on the feed roller, ensuring sufficient ejection force for warped disks or those with high surface friction without requiring increased motor power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the force generation functions by separating the motor-driven insertion phase from the spring-driven ejection phase through the detachable gear engagement. The second idle gear acts as a coupling element that can be engaged for insertion (motor drives feed roller) and disengaged for ejection (spring drives feed roller). This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate force source without compromising the other.
3Reliability
If high motor power is used to ensure strong disk carrying force, then insertion is reliable, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter of gear engagement to optimize power consumption. During insertion, the second idle gear is engaged, providing reliable disk carrying through the motor-driven gear train. During ejection, the second idle gear is disengaged, allowing the spring to provide the necessary force without motor power consumption. This parameter switching ensures reliability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during the return stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between motor-driven operation (insertion) and spring-driven operation (ejection). The engagement and disengagement of the second idle gear creates a periodic pattern of power transmission, where the motor operates only during the insertion phase and remains idle during ejection. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining insertion reliability.
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 configuration reduces motor load and power consumption, allows for the use of soft resin gears to minimize gear noise, and enhances disk ejection force, ensuring smooth disk handling regardless of disk warping or surface friction.
Implementation Method 1
springs that urges the feed roller to rotate so that the feed roller abuts the disk guide
Implementation Method 2
a worm gear that transmits a torque of the disk carrying motor
Implementation Method 3
a gear array includes: a worm gear that transmits a torque of the disk carrying motor; a first idle gear rotatably supported by the lower chassis to transmit the torque from the worm gear; a second idle gear rotatably supported by the feed plate and being detachably engaged with the first idle; and a roller gear fixed to a roller shaft of the feed roller to mesh with the second idle gear
Data Source
AI summary
In a disk carrying device including a first idle gear rotatably supported by a lower chassis and a second idle gear for contacting and separating from the first idle gear to perform a rotation operation, the second idle gear and a roller gear meshing therewith are rotatably supported by a feed plate to cause the second idle gear to contact and separate, from below, from the first idle gear rotatably supported by the lower chassis. Because of this configuration, in disk insertion, a downward force F1 acts on the second idle gear and a pushing pressure of the feed roller to a disk D decreases. In disk ejection, an upward force F2 acts on the second idle gear and the pushing pressure of the feed roller to the disk D increases.