Removable Device for Endless Ribbon Installation in Thermal Printers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for thermal transfer printing apparatuses require frequent manual replacement of endless ribbons, which is time-consuming and risks damage due to the complex path and instability of the ribbons, leading to production line stoppages and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A removable device with rotating support elements that can be pivoted and translated to manage ribbon tension and installation, allowing for automatic or controlled insertion and removal of the ribbon without manual handling, reducing the risk of damage and enabling quick replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual replacement of endless ribbon is performed, then ribbon can be replaced, but production line must stop for long time and ribbon may be damaged due to complex path and instability
Solution Approach 1:
A removable device acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the ribbon. This device includes support elements that can be inserted into the conveyor system to hold and guide the ribbon during replacement, eliminating the need for direct manual handling of the fragile ribbon through the complex path.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable device is pre-configured with support elements positioned along the ribbon path. Before ribbon replacement, the device is installed in the conveyor system with its support elements aligned to match the ribbon route, preparing the system for safe ribbon insertion without requiring manual navigation through the complex path.
2Device complexity
If support elements are fixed in position, then structure is simple, but cannot accommodate ribbon path variations and tension requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed with rotational capability around a rotation axis, transforming them from fixed static structures to dynamic adjustable components. This allows each support element to rotate and adapt to different positions along the ribbon path, accommodating path variations and maintaining proper ribbon tension while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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
Enables quick and safe installation and removal of endless ribbons in thermal transfer printing apparatuses, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent ribbon tension, thus improving production efficiency and extending ribbon lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
each support element being movable in rotation around a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
each support element having a convex portion to support a portion of the endless ribbon
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a removable device (10) adapted to cooperate with a conveyor system for the installation of an endless ribbon in said conveyor system, the removable device (10) comprising at least two support elements (14) to support the endless ribbon, each support element (14) being movable in rotation around a rotation axis and each support element (14) having a convex portion to support a portion of the endless ribbon.