Auxiliary Media Tray for Printer Roll Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing printing apparatuses face cumbersome and costly operations when loading new rolls of print media due to the heavy and bulky nature of the media rolls, and existing solutions either require complex automation or inadequate handling devices.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with side-accessible supports and an auxiliary media tray that allows users to easily load and stabilize the roll, enabling the roll to be placed with its outer surface on the tray, and then attaching roll mounting parts for straightforward engagement with the supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handling or lifting carriages are employed for transporting large rolls of media, then the loading operation is automated and facilitated, but the device takes up floor space and is relatively costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the media roll handling function from complex automated carriages and implements it through a simple auxiliary tray that can be attached to the printing apparatus. The tray provides a stable resting position for media rolls during loading, eliminating the need for expensive floor-standing handling devices while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary tray acts as an intermediary element between the user and the media roll loading process. It provides a stable intermediate position for placing and preparing media rolls before they are mounted onto the supports, simplifying the loading operation without requiring complex automation.
2Ease of operation
If complex devices integrated in a printing apparatus are used to automate the loading operation, then the loading process is facilitated, but costs increase to an unacceptable level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive auxiliary tray that can be easily attached and detached from the printing apparatus. This disposable-like approach to automation provides loading facilitation without the high costs of integrated complex devices, making it suitable for office environments where cost-effectiveness is important.
3Reliability
If the media roll is held in the printer supports by means of a spindle and hubs, then the roll is securely held during printing, but the loading operation becomes cumbersome due to the heavy and bulky nature of the roll
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary tray enables preliminary preparation of the media roll before it is mounted onto the spindle and hubs. Users can place the heavy roll on the stable tray, attach the mounting parts, and then lift the assembled unit to the supports. This preliminary action on the tray reduces the cumulative effort required compared to repeatedly handling the heavy roll alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus comprises supports for holding a roll of print media during printing, said supports being accessible from one side of the printer to insert a roll of print media, and an auxiliary media tray suitable for holding in a stable position a roll of print media placed with its outer surface resting on the tray, said auxiliary tray being attached to the printer on the same side of the printer from where the supports for the roll of print media are accessible.