Offset Differential Spindle Assembly for Easier Parallel 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 and load heavier rolls, as standard carts and lifters are not suited for spindle assemblies with two substrate rolls.
Innovation Solution
A spindle assembly with offset differential connections allows each spindle to be loaded and installed independently, enabling easier handling and loading/unloading of rolls, as there is no in-line structural connection between spindles, allowing for heavier rolls to be managed by handling one roll at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an in-line differential mechanism is used to connect two spindles, then torque distribution to multiple rolls is achieved, but the complexity of loading and handling increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly is divided into two independent spindles that can be loaded separately. Each spindle is a separate component that can be handled independently, eliminating the need to load both rolls simultaneously as a single unit. This segmentation allows standard equipment to handle each spindle individually while maintaining the parallel roll printing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A differential mechanism serves as an intermediary component that connects the two independently loaded spindles to the drive shaft. This intermediary allows torque to be distributed to both spindles while keeping the loading process separate, resolving the contradiction between maintaining parallel roll capability and simplifying the loading operation.
2Productivity
If two rolls are mounted on a single spindle assembly, then parallel roll printing is enabled, but standard carts and lifters cannot handle the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly is segmented into two separate spindles that can be loaded independently. Each spindle can be handled by standard carts and lifters designed for single-roll handling, while the overall system maintains parallel roll printing capability. This segmentation resolves the incompatibility between multi-roll assemblies and standard handling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by changing the temporal dimension of the loading process - instead of loading both rolls simultaneously in space, the rolls are loaded at different times but remain connected through the differential mechanism. This allows standard equipment to handle each roll individually while achieving parallel operation.
3Power
If an in-line structural connection between spindles is used, then torque transmission is achieved, but heavier rolls become difficult to load
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy loading problem is solved by segmenting the spindle assembly into independently loadable spindles. Each spindle can be loaded separately with heavy rolls using appropriate handling equipment, while the differential mechanism ensures proper torque distribution. This eliminates the need to lift and position both heavy rolls simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism acts as an intermediary that separates the torque transmission function from the loading function. This allows heavy rolls to be loaded independently on each spindle while the differential ensures proper power distribution, resolving the contradiction between torque transmission and heavy roll handling.
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 solution simplifies the loading and unloading process for a single operator, particularly for heavier rolls, by allowing independent operation of each spindle, enhancing the ease of use with standard carts and lifters and improving the handling of multiple rolls in parallel roll printing.
Implementation Method 1
a differential that redirects torque from the drive shaft to the spindles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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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.