Printer Ribbon Spindle Width Detection via Compressed Conductive Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer systems lack an automatic mechanism to sense the width of printer ribbons on spindles, which affects torque requirements, impacting print quality, registration, and ribbon slippage, and do not provide feedback on appropriate torque values for different printing jobs.
Innovation Solution
A printer ribbon supply spindle assembly with a commutator, carbon brushes, and c-shaped conductive springs that compress when a ribbon is loaded, forming additional electrical circuits, allowing a processor to determine the ribbon width and adjust torque settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic sensing system for print media size is implemented, then media size detection is improved, but no information about torque values is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is divided into multiple segments, each with its own c-shaped conductive spring. Each segment represents a different ribbon width category, and the springs are positioned to be compressed by ribbons of specific widths. This segmentation allows the system to detect both the size and the appropriate torque value simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electrical feedback from the conductive springs to the processor. When a ribbon is loaded, it compresses the appropriate spring, completing an electrical circuit that provides feedback to the processor. This feedback mechanism conveys both the ribbon width information and the corresponding torque value information needed for proper printing operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple c-shaped conductive springs are added to detect different ribbon widths, then ribbon width detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The c-shaped conductive springs serve multiple functions: they act as mechanical compression elements for detection, as electrical contacts for circuit completion, and as indicators for ribbon width categories. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms for each ribbon width, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbon itself serves as the activating mechanism. When loaded onto the spindle, the ribbon's width automatically determines which springs are compressed, eliminating the need for separate actuators or sensors for each width category. The system uses the ribbon's physical presence to self-detect its width and trigger the appropriate electrical circuit.
3Extent of automation
If electrical circuits are completed through spring compression, then ribbon width sensing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The use of flexible conductive springs provides tolerance for manufacturing variations. The springs can deform to make electrical contact, accommodating minor positioning inaccuracies that would be problematic with rigid electrical contacts. This flexibility reduces the stringent precision requirements while maintaining reliable electrical circuit completion.
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 automatic detection of ribbon width and implementation of appropriate torque settings, enhancing print quality and preventing ribbon slippage and wrinkling by ensuring accurate torque requirements based on the loaded ribbon.
Implementation Method 1
The c-shaped conductive springs compress when a printer ribbon is positioned on the ribbon spindle over the c-shaped conductive spring on each of the segments
Implementation Method 2
The c-shaped conductive springs are in an uncompressed state when there is no printer ribbon on the ribbon spindle positioned over the c-shaped conductive spring on each of the segments
Data Source
AI summary
A printer ribbon supply spindle assembly is provided. The ribbon spindle has multiple segments contiguous to each other. The spindle assembly includes a commutator disposed circumferentially on the first segment of the ribbon spindle and two carbon brushes connected to a voltage source and disposed generally in electrical contact with and on either side of the commutator. The voltage source, the carbon brushes, and the commutator complete an electrical circuit. C-shaped conductive springs are disposed over each of the multiple segments. The c-shaped conductive springs compress when covered by a printer ribbon and become in electrical contact with the commutator and adjacent compressed c-shaped springs, forming additional parallel circuits. An electronic element is disposed at the center of the c-shaped conductive springs. Measuring a change in the circuit due the additional parallel circuits with the electronic element indicates the printer ribbon width.