Printer Buffer Device for Stable Paper Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face issues with maintaining stable print quality and preventing paper jams due to inadequate tension control when conveying paper from a roll, especially at the start of use and during paper winding.
Innovation Solution
A printer design incorporating a buffer device with a dual-damper mechanism that applies a pressing force to the paper, using a combination of tension and compression springs to regulate paper tension and brake the roll, ensuring stable paper conveyance and preventing jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tension applying mechanism is used to absorb impact at the start of conveying, then print quality is stabilized, but the mechanism cannot effectively prevent paper jams and maintain stable tension throughout the entire conveyance process
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer device employs a dynamic spring mechanism that automatically adjusts pressing force based on roll diameter changes. As the roll diameter decreases during paper consumption, the spring maintains consistent tension by adapting its pressing force, ensuring stable paper conveyance throughout the entire printing process without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer device applies preliminary pressing force to the paper before it enters the conveyance system. This pre-tensioning action prevents paper slack and jams at the critical start of conveying, addressing the problem before it occurs during the printing process.
2Device complexity
If no buffer device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but paper tension becomes unstable causing jams and poor print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer device acts as an intermediary element between the paper roll and the conveyance system. This simple mechanical mediator absorbs tension variations and provides stable paper feeding without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based buffer device is self-regulating and requires no external power source or control system. It automatically adjusts to maintain proper paper tension through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If the buffer device applies strong pressing force to stabilize tension, then paper conveyance improves, but the pressing force may damage the paper or roll body
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides variable pressing force that changes according to the roll diameter and paper tension requirements. The force is strong enough to prevent jams but automatically reduces as the roll diminishes, preventing paper damage while maintaining conveyance stability throughout the printing process.
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 buffer device effectively stabilizes paper tension and prevents jams by applying a controlled braking force to the roll, maintaining print quality and reducing paper slack, even at the start of use when paper tension is high.
Implementation Method 1
a first energization member for energizing the first swinging member towards the roll body... the first energization member is a tension spring stretched between the first swinging member and the bottom of the housing section
Implementation Method 2
a second energization member for energizing the second swinging member towards the roll body... the second energization member is a compression spring provided in a compressed state between the first swinging member and the second swinging member
Implementation Method 3
the buffer device is configured to apply a braking force to the roll body to brake a rotation of the roll body
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a printer comprises a housing section configured to accommodate a roll body obtained by winding an elongated image receiving medium in a roll shape; a conveyance section configured to pull out the image receiving medium from the roll body to convey it; a printing section configured to perform printing on the image receiving medium pulled out of the roll body by the conveyance section; and a buffer device arranged at the bottom of the housing section on an upstream side of the conveyance section along a direction in which the image receiving medium is pulled out by the conveyance direction so as to apply a pressing force in a direction towards the roll body to the image receiving medium pulled out of the roll body.