Printer Roll Paper Stabilization via Spring-Loaded Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing roll paper holding mechanisms in printing apparatuses are unstable during replenishment operations, causing difficulties in maintaining the correct position of the roll paper, as the operator's hand or arm may accidentally move the roll paper containing space when trying to pull it out for replacement.

Innovation Solution

A roll paper holding apparatus with a pull-out unit that includes a paper holding section for rotating the roll paper, a contact body that opens and closes with the paper holding section, and an urging section that ensures the contact body contacts the printer's frame when pulled out, stabilizing the roll paper position and preventing accidental retraction into the printer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the roll paper containing space is pulled out from the apparatus main body for replenishment, then the roll paper can be replaced, but the position becomes unstable and may move back into the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll paper replenishment operationVSAvoidposition stability of pull-out unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The urging section applies a pre-established counteracting force to prevent the harmful movement of the pull-out unit back into the apparatus. The spring or elastic component is pre-loaded to generate an urging force that counteracts any unintended retraction, stabilizing the pull-out unit in its extended position during replenishment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The urging section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pull-out unit and the apparatus main body. It provides a controlled interaction that maintains the pull-out unit in a stable extended position, allowing operators to safely replenish roll paper without the risk of accidental retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the contact body is kept closed to the paper holding section, then the structure is compact, but the pull-out unit cannot be properly pulled out for replenishment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness of pull-out unitVSAvoidpull-out operation for replenishment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact body is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. It can transition between a closed state (when the pull-out unit is retracted) and an opened state (when pulled out for replenishment). This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain compactness during normal operation while enabling easy access during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The urging section pre-prepares the contact body by applying an opening force before the replenishment operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the contact body is already in the opened state when the operator needs to access the roll paper, facilitating smooth replenishment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the pull-out unit is designed to slide freely, then it is easy to pull out, but it lacks stability and may move unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepull-out motionVSAvoidposition stability during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The urging section functions as a counterbalancing mechanism that provides an opposing force to gravity and other external forces that might cause unintended movement. This counterforce ensures the pull-out unit remains stable in its extended position during replenishment operations, preventing accidental retraction while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 stabilizes the roll paper position during replenishment, preventing movement back into the printer and making the operation easier by ensuring the pull-out unit remains stable and correctly aligned.

Implementation Method 1

an urging section which is provided in the pull-out unit, and urges the contact body opened to the paper holding section in a direction of contacting with a frame forming the opening of the printing apparatus main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8425131B2Printing apparatus and roll paper holding apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A roll paper holding apparatus includes a pull-out unit which can be pulled out and housed through an opening formed in a printing apparatus main body, a paper holding section which is provided in the pull-out unit and rotatably holds a roll paper in which a paper is wound into a roll shape, a contact body which is provided in the pull-out unit, and is openable and closable to the paper holding section according to a pull-out operation and a housing operation of the pull-out unit with respect to the printing apparatus main body, and an urging section which is provided in the pull-out unit, and urges the contact body opened to the paper holding section in a direction of contacting with a frame forming the opening of the printing apparatus main body when the pull-out unit is pulled out from the printing apparatus main body.