Ink Ribbon Cartridge Protrusion Fit for Precise Frame Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing printing devices face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning of the ink ribbon cartridge due to the need for separate positioning protrusions on the frame, which complicates the alignment process.
Innovation Solution
The ink ribbon cartridge is designed with first and second protrusions that fit into corresponding holes in the frame, ensuring precise positioning without increasing the number of parts in the printing device, and a connecting member with lower rigidity than the frames to maintain parallel alignment of support shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning protrusions are provided separately on the frame, then the ink ribbon cartridge can be positioned relative to the frame, but the positioning accuracy is difficult to maintain and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function into the cartridge body itself by forming positioning protrusions on the cartridge body that engage with positioning holes in the frame. This eliminates the need for separate positioning protrusions on the frame, thereby improving positioning accuracy while reducing device complexity. The positioning features are integrated into the cartridge assembly rather than being separate components.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate positioning protrusions are provided on the frame, then the ink ribbon cartridge can be positioned, but the alignment accuracy between the cartridge and frame deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusions are formed as integral parts of the cartridge body structure, merging the positioning function into the cartridge assembly. This integration ensures that the positioning features are precisely manufactured as part of the cartridge molding process, improving alignment accuracy between the cartridge and frame while avoiding the complexity of separate positioning components on the frame.
3Strength
If the connecting member has high rigidity, then the support shafts are firmly supported, but the parallel alignment between frames cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the connecting member to an intermediate value that balances support strength and alignment capability. The connecting member has sufficient rigidity to firmly support the support shafts while maintaining enough flexibility to accommodate minor manufacturing tolerances and maintain parallel alignment between the first and second frames. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between support strength and alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink ribbon cartridge includes a first spool, a first case covering the first spool, a second spool, a second case covering the second spool, a first rib provided at the first case, a second rib provided at the second case, an ink ribbon, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The first spool extends in a first direction and the second spool extends in a second direction. The first protrusion protrudes in the first direction from an end of the first case in the first direction. The second protrusion protrudes in the second direction from an end of the second case in the second direction. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively fitted in a first hole and a second hole of a first frame of a printing device in a state where the ink ribbon cartridge is attached the printing device.