Offset Differential Spindle Assembly for Independent Roll Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printers capable of parallel roll printing with a single drive shaft require cumbersome loading and installation of two rolls, making it difficult for a single operator to handle heavier rolls, as standard carts and lifters are not suited for spindle assemblies with two substrate rolls.
Innovation Solution
A spindle assembly with an offset differential allows each spindle to be loaded and installed independently, enabling easier handling and loading/unloading of rolls by allowing disconnection from the differential, reducing the need for in-line structural support during loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an in-line differential is used to distribute torque to co-axial spindles, then parallel roll printing capability is achieved, but the spindle assembly becomes difficult to load and install for a single operator
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly is segmented into two independent spindle units that can be loaded separately. Each spindle can be loaded and installed independently of the other, allowing a single operator to handle each roll separately using standard equipment, while still achieving parallel roll printing capability when both spindles are installed together.
Solution Approach 2:
An offset differential mechanism serves as an intermediary that connects the two independently loaded spindles to a single drive shaft. The offset differential receives torque from the drive shaft and distributes it to both spindles, enabling parallel roll printing while allowing independent loading of each spindle without requiring simultaneous support of both rolls.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard carts and lifters are used to handle spindle assemblies with two substrate rolls, then material handling equipment is utilized, but heavier rolls cannot be properly handled
Solution Approach 1:
The handling process is segmented into two separate operations: first loading one roll on one spindle, then loading the second roll on the second spindle. This allows standard carts and lifters to handle each roll individually at manageable weights, rather than requiring equipment capable of simultaneously supporting the weight of both rolls on a single assembled spindle unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each spindle is prepared and loaded with a roll separately before installation into the printer. This preliminary independent loading allows the use of standard material handling equipment for each roll, and only after both spindles are independently loaded are they installed into the printer assembly, avoiding the need to handle both rolls simultaneously.
3Strength
If an in-line structural connection between spindles is maintained, then structural support for both rolls is provided, but individual spindle removal and reloading becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between spindles and the differential is made dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. Spindles can be disconnected from the differential and removed from the assembly independently when needed for reloading or maintenance, yet remain structurally supported when in operation. This dynamic capability allows easy removal and reloading of individual spindles while maintaining structural integrity during printing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a device for unwinding or winding multiple rolls of print substrate includes multiple spindles each to hold a roll of print substrate and a differential operatively connected to one end of each spindle. The spindles are aligned with one another lengthwise along a spindle axis and the differential is to output torque along a differential axis offset from the spindle axis to turn the spindles on the first axis.