Printer Paper Roll Retention Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Printers that load recording paper by dropping it into a holder often experience issues where the paper rolls out when the loose end is pulled, requiring time and effort to reload, as the paper is not securely held within the holder during the loading process.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a restriction member, such as an arm or contact roller, that is pivotally attached to the holder and urged by a spring to contact the peripheral surface of the paper roll, preventing it from rolling out when the loose end is pulled, and assist rollers to facilitate smooth loading and prevent paper from moving out during printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is opened to allow loading of recording paper, then ease of operation is improved, but the paper roll is not securely held and rolls out when the loose end is pulled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loading paperVSAvoidpaper retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member is preliminarily positioned to engage with the paper roll before the loading process completes. When the lid is opened and paper is loaded, the restriction member automatically moves to contact the peripheral surface of the paper roll, preventing it from rolling out during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member acts as an intermediary element between the holder and the paper roll. It is pivotably attached to the holder and includes a contact part that urges toward the interior of the holder to contact the peripheral surface of the paper roll, providing secure retention without requiring the lid to be closed tightly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the paper is not securely held in the holder, then device complexity is reduced, but the paper rolls out requiring time and effort to reload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of holder structureVSAvoidtime to reload paper

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member is preliminarily positioned to engage with the paper roll before the loading process completes. When the lid is opened and paper is loaded, the restriction member automatically moves to contact the peripheral surface of the paper roll, preventing it from rolling out during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member is urged by a spring to automatically contact the paper roll when it is loaded into the holder. This self-actuating mechanism requires no additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while preventing paper from rolling out during printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a restriction member is added to prevent paper from rolling out, then paper retention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper retentionVSAvoidcomplexity of holder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member is designed to be pivotably attached to the holder, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. It can rotate or pivot as the paper roll is loaded and during printing operations, engaging with the paper roll when needed and retracting when not required, thereby providing reliable retention without permanent complex structural additions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member is urged by a spring to automatically contact the paper roll when it is loaded into the holder. This self-actuating mechanism requires no additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while preventing paper from rolling out during printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively prevents the recording paper from rolling out of the holder when the loose end is pulled, simplifying the loading process and ensuring continuous operation without interruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a contact part urged toward the interior of the holder. The contact part is urged to contact the peripheral surface of the roll accommodated in the holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9724947B2Printer

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 FCL COMPONENTS LTD

AI summary

A printer includes a body, a lid, and a restriction member. The body includes a holder configured to accommodate a roll of a recording sheet. The lid is attached to the body to be opened and closed relative to the body. The restriction member is pivotably attached to the bottom of the holder, and includes a contact part urged toward the interior of the holder. The contact part is urged to contact the peripheral surface of the roll accommodated in the holder.