Roll Paper Loading Unit with Movable Shaft for Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording apparatuses, such as ink jet printers using roll paper, face the challenge of increased size due to the need for longer roll paper supply units to accommodate driving and driven shafts, which limits their compactness.

Innovation Solution

A medium loading apparatus with supporting units and a rotational force transfer unit that includes a first shaft member, a rotating member, and a second shaft member, allowing the second shaft member to move between a transfer position and a non-transfer position, reducing the overall length of the loading unit and enabling compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the roll body is placed on the guide rail with the driving shaft and driven shaft projecting to the inner side of the roll body, then the shafts can be inserted into the shaft holes of the flanges, but the length of the roll paper supply unit must be made larger than the sum of the roll body length and shaft lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft insertion operationVSAvoidroll paper supply unit length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft holes of the flanges are designed to be movable relative to the flange centers in the radial direction, allowing the shafts to be inserted at different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the shafts to accommodate the roll body without requiring excessive length for the supply unit, while still maintaining proper shaft insertion and engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the shafts are inserted from both sides of the roll body to support it, then the roll body can be securely supported, but the loading unit length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll body support stabilityVSAvoidloading unit length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flange centers are designed to be movable in the radial direction, allowing the shafts to be positioned flexibly. This enables the shafts to be inserted from appropriate positions to securely support the roll body while minimizing the overall length of the loading unit, achieving both stability and compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the flange centers are fixed, then the structure is simple, but the shafts cannot accommodate radial deviations in position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflange structure complexityVSAvoidshaft position adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flange centers are designed to be movable in the radial direction, providing adaptability to radial deviations in shaft positions. This dynamic feature allows the shafts to be inserted even when there are position deviations, maintaining reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8870366B2Medium loading apparatus and recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A medium loading apparatus includes supporting units that are attached to both end portions of roll paper, a loading unit that is loaded with the roll paper to which the supporting units are attached, and a rotational force transfer unit that is arranged on the loading unit so as to be opposed to a shaft rotating member constituting the supporting unit in the axial line direction of the roll paper and transfers a rotational force of a motor to the shaft rotating member.