Magnetic Media Holder for Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face issues with holding roll media due to variations in core size, requiring high insertion force for smaller diameters and insufficient gripping force for larger diameters, affecting printing performance and necessitating media supplier changes.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic media holder device with a pair of grip members and electromagnets that adjust the gripping force by repelling permanent magnets, allowing for adaptation to various core sizes and easy loading/unloading by controlling the magnetic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a frictionally gripping system is used to hold media cores, then the holder can accommodate various core sizes, but high insertion force is required for smaller diameter cores and insufficient gripping force is provided for larger diameter cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electromagnet that can be selectively energized to dynamically adjust the gripping mechanism. When energized, the electromagnet repels permanent magnets attached to the grip members, causing them to move outward and increase the outer dimension of the holder. This dynamic adjustment allows the same holder to accommodate media cores of varying diameters by changing the spacing between grip members based on the core size being held.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or parameters of the gripping system by using magnetic fields. The electromagnet's magnetic field strength can be controlled to adjust the repelling force on the permanent magnets, thereby adjusting the outer dimension and gripping force. This parameter change allows the holder to adapt to different core diameters and provide appropriate gripping force without mechanical adjustment.
2Force
If high insertion force is applied to hold smaller diameter cores, then gripping force is sufficient, but the force required for loading and unloading becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical friction-based gripping system with an electromagnetic gripping system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical friction between the holder and media core, the system uses controlled magnetic repulsion forces. This substitution allows for more precise and adjustable gripping forces, reducing the effort needed for loading and unloading while maintaining sufficient holding force during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet is selectively energized only when needed to adjust the grip. During normal printing operation, the electromagnet remains de-energized and the permanent magnets provide steady gripping force. When loading or unloading is required, the electromagnet is temporarily energized to adjust the grip, then de-energized. This periodic action reduces the overall effort required for operation compared to continuously high mechanical friction.
3Measurement precision
If a rotational media holder is used to achieve high precision printing, then printing precision is improved, but the frictionally gripping system fails to accommodate wide variation in core sizes from different suppliers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal media holder that can accommodate media cores from different suppliers with varying core sizes. By combining permanent magnets with a controllable electromagnet, the holder can adjust its inner and outer dimensions to fit different core diameters. This multi-functionality allows the same rotational holder to work with media from various suppliers without requiring mechanical adjustments or replacements, maintaining both printing precision and supplier compatibility.
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
The device provides improved adaptation to different media core sizes, enhancing printer performance by adjusting the gripping force to securely hold cores of varying diameters and reducing the force required for loading/unloading.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnet is disposed between the first and second grip members, where when the electromagnet is selectively energized the permanent magnets attached to the first and second grip members are repelled in a manner that increases the outer dimension of the print media holder device to grip a media core.
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the second magnet and the grip member magnet comprises an electromagnet that is selectively energized in a manner that generates repelling forces between the grip member magnet and the second magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A print media holder device has first and second grip members. Permanent magnets are attached to the first and second grip members. An electromagnet is disposed between the first and second grip members, where when the electromagnet is selectively energized the permanent magnets attached to the first and second grip members are repelled in a manner that increases the outer dimension of the print media holder device to grip a media core.