Printer Media Support with Adjustable Friction Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous feed printers face challenges in accommodating media of varying sizes and types, such as roll and fanfold media, due to limited adjustability and compatibility issues with different diameters and widths, which can lead to printing malfunctions and reduced print quality.
Innovation Solution
The printer features an articulating print frame assembly with adjustable media support members and a media adjustment assembly that includes a sliding mechanism with a resilient member and handle, allowing for the secure positioning of media of different sizes, along with a pivotable print frame and lockout mechanism for improved access and ribbon management, enhancing compatibility with various media types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printer uses fixed media support members, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate media of varying sizes and types
Solution Approach 1:
The media support members are made movable along the platen roller axis through a media adjustment assembly that includes a media adjustment member sliding within a media adjustment channel. This dynamic adjustment allows the support members to adapt to different media diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The media adjustment assembly is segmented into separate components: a media adjustment member with tabs, a resilient member, and corresponding channels in the support members. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of media support positions without affecting other printer components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printer includes adjustable media support members, then it can accommodate various media sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically pushes the media adjustment member into position against the platen roller, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or additional actuation systems. The adjustment member self-positions through the elastic force of the resilient member.
Solution Approach 2:
The media adjustment member serves multiple functions: it positions the media support members, engages with the resilient member for automatic positioning, and interacts with the platen roller to secure media of various sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the print frame is fixed, then the structure is stable and reliable, but access to media and ribbon is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The print frame is made pivotable between a closed position for stable operation and an open position for easy media and ribbon access. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same structure to provide both stability during printing and accessibility during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage when the print frame is in the open position, preventing accidental closure during media loading or ribbon replacement. This preliminary protective action simplifies the operation of accessing media and ribbon.
4Reliability
If the printer lacks a lockout mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the top cover can be accidentally closed during media loading
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout mechanism uses an intermediary link that connects the print frame position to the top cover closure. When the print frame is open, the link engages with the top cover to prevent closing, providing reliable protection without requiring a complex independent locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout function is merged with the existing top cover and print frame structures, using their relative movements to automatically engage and disengage the lockout mechanism. This integration reduces the need for separate actuators or control systems.
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 enables the printer to efficiently handle and print on media of different sizes and types, reducing the likelihood of jams and irregular prints, while maintaining high print quality and ease of media loading and ribbon management.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to apply friction between the media adjustment member and the corresponding media support member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A printer having improved operational features. The printer includes an articulating print frame assembly coupled to a top cover that is adapted to rotate out of the top cover to an open position and to rotate into the top cover to a closed position. When the print frame is in an open position, the top cover is prevented from rotating toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The printer may include at least one media support member with a media adjustment channel (140) disposed therein, a media adjustment member (110) slidingly disposed through each of the media adjustment channels (140), and a resilient member (130) configured to apply friction between each of the media adjustment members (110) and the corresponding media support member (24).