Roll Paper Holding Mechanism for Skew Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roll paper printers face challenges in preventing skew of roll paper due to limitations in existing skew correcting mechanisms, which struggle with varying roll paper widths and inconsistent tightening forces, leading to difficulties in attachment and detachment of label fasteners.

Innovation Solution

A printer design incorporating a sheet holding unit with a reference plane for positioning the roll paper, a conveying unit for guiding the paper, a printing unit for applying prints, a contact body with a contact section that rotates to come into contact with the roll paper's end face, and an urging unit to bring the contact section into contact with the reference plane, ensuring proper alignment and preventing skew.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If skew correcting springs are used to press the roll paper, then the roll paper skew is corrected, but the movable range is limited and cannot cope with different roll paper widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll paper alignment precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different roll paper widths

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is designed to move dynamically along the guide groove in the width direction of the roll paper, allowing the pressing position to be adjusted automatically according to different paper widths while maintaining pressing force for skew correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing mechanism serves multiple functions: it corrects skew through pressing force, adapts to different paper widths through guide groove movement, and maintains universal applicability across various roll paper sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the tightening force of the label fastener is increased to prevent roll paper movement, then the roll paper is held firmly, but it becomes difficult to attach and detach the label fastener

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll paper holding stabilityVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member can dynamically adjust its pressing force and position, providing strong holding force during printing while allowing easy attachment and detachment through controlled movement along the guide groove

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism automatically adjusts the pressing force to maintain optimal holding without requiring excessive force from the operator, enabling easy operation while ensuring reliable paper holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the label fastener is pushed strongly to attach it, then the attachment is secure, but this likely causes rotation failure of the roll paper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidroll paper rotation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member applies force dynamically through the guide groove, distributing the attachment force evenly and preventing concentrated stress that could cause roll paper rotation failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide groove acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the pressing member and the roll paper, guiding the pressing force along a controlled path to prevent rotation failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If the pressing member is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different roll paper widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing mechanism structureVSAvoidadaptability to different roll paper widths

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is designed with movable capability along the guide groove, providing adaptability to different paper widths while maintaining relatively simple structure through guided linear motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively prevents roll paper skew with a simple structure, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of roll papers of different widths, ensuring stable printing and reducing the risk of rotation failure.

Implementation Method 1

an urging unit configured to urge the contact body in a first rotating direction for bringing the contact section close to the second end face of the roll paper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8328443B2Printer and roll paper holding mechanism

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A sidewall supports, in a cantilever state, a sheet holding shaft for holding a label sheet wound in a roll shape and positions a first end face, which is one end face, of the label sheet inserted over the sheet holding shaft. A roll paper holding mechanism that presses a second end face, which is the other end face, of the label sheet, has a first arm, a second arm, and a spring. The first arm projects from the sidewall and rotatably supports the second arm at an end thereof. The spring connects the first arm and the second arm and urges and pulls the second arm. The second arm comes into contact with the second end face of the label sheet in a process of being pulled to rotate and holds the label sheet in conjunction with the sidewall functioning as a reference plane.