Ribbon Winding Mechanism Torque Switching via Nested Cartridge
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ribbon winding mechanisms require complex operations to switch winding torque, involving the attachment and detachment of switching members, making it cumbersome for users to adjust torque settings.
Innovation Solution
A ribbon winding mechanism with a cartridge mounting unit that includes a winding rotor, first and second winding gears, torque limiters, and a clutch system, allowing for simple torque switching by mounting different cartridges, which engage with the rotor and gears to adjust torque values automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching member is attached and detached from the gear case to switch winding torque, then the winding torque can be switched between different values, but the operation becomes complex and cumbersome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The gear case is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be selectively engaged. Each chamber contains different torque-limiting mechanisms, allowing the switching member to engage with different chambers to achieve different winding torque values. This segmentation enables torque switching without requiring complete disassembly or complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can engage with the first chamber for high torque, the second chamber for medium torque, and the third chamber for low torque. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide multiple torque settings, simplifying the overall switching mechanism while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple torque limiters are provided with different torque values, then appropriate torque can be selected for different ink ribbons, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chambers containing different torque-limiting mechanisms are nested within the gear case structure. The switching member can selectively engage with different nested chambers, allowing multiple torque limiters to coexist in a compact arrangement. This nesting approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to select different torque values.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear case is designed with movable or selectively engageable chambers that can be dynamically accessed by the switching member. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different torque settings without requiring a permanently complex structure, as only the necessary chamber is engaged at any given time.
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 seamless switching of winding torque with minimal user operation, ensuring appropriate torque settings for different ink ribbons, preventing ribbon breakage and ensuring proper winding, while maintaining ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a first torque limiter that may limit torque transmitted from the first winding gear to the winding rotor to a first torque value
Implementation Method 2
a second torque limiter that may limit torque transmitted from the second winding gear to the first winding gear to a second torque value
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
There is provided a ribbon winding mechanism 28 including: a winding rotor 33; a first winding gear 41 that is provided coaxial to the winding rotor 33 and rotates the winding rotor 33; a second winding gear 42 that is provided coaxial to the winding rotor 33 and rotates the winding rotor 33 via the first winding gear 41; a first torque limiter 43 that limits torque, which is transmitted from the first winding gear 41 to the winding rotor 33, to first torque; a second torque limiter 44 that limits torque, which is transmitted from the second winding gear 42 to the first winding gear 41, to second torque lower than the first torque; and a torque clutch 45 that transfers power from a feed motor to the first winding gear 41 when the first cartridge 100 is mounted and transfers the power from the feed motor 3 to the second winding gear 42 when the second cartridge 200 is mounted.