Roll Retainer With Linking Device For Variable Diameter Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roll retainers for image forming apparatuses face issues with breaking under rotational stress and inability to simultaneously move multiple abutment members, leading to unstable attachment of rolls with different inner diameters.

Innovation Solution

A roll retainer design featuring a retaining member with pivotally movable supporting members and a linking device, allowing for adjustable positioning to accommodate rolls with varying diameters by coupling supporting members to move between supporting and retracted positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the abutment member expands in the axial direction as a fulcrum to adapt to different inner diameters, then the adaptability to different roll sizes is improved, but the strength and reliability deteriorate due to susceptibility to breakage by rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different inner diametersVSAvoidresistance to breakage by rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment member is designed to dynamically change its functional orientation. During attachment, it expands axially to adapt to different inner diameters. During rotation, it pivots to become parallel with the rotation axis, transforming the rotational force into axial compression rather than bending stress, thus preventing breakage while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The link mechanism acts as an intermediary that couples multiple abutment members. When one abutment member contacts the roll, it transmits force through the link to simultaneously move other abutment members into their supporting positions, ensuring coordinated movement and stable attachment while distributing mechanical stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the supporting member is regulated to contact different positions on the core tube for different diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple contact regulation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different diametersVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple contact regulation mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple abutment members and their regulation mechanisms are merged into a single coordinated system through the link mechanism. Instead of independently regulating each supporting member's contact position, the system combines them so that one contact point drives the others through mechanical coupling, reducing regulatory complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The link mechanism serves multiple functions: it couples the abutment members, transmits force between them, regulates their simultaneous movement, and ensures they all reach their supporting positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate regulation mechanisms for each member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the supporting members are moved independently to contact the roll, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to unsteady attachment when some members remain stationary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of moving supporting membersVSAvoidstability of roll attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The link mechanism provides mechanical feedback that ensures all abutment members move together. When one member contacts the roll and moves, it immediately transmits force through the link to the others, creating a feedback loop that ensures synchronized movement and prevents any member from remaining stationary, thus ensuring stable attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution enables secure and stable retention of rolls with different inner diameters without breaking under rotation, ensuring reliable attachment and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

an abutment member configured to be in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the hollow shaft rolls in an axial direction of the roll-type medium as a fulcrum to be expanded in a roll diameter direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS10077166B2Roll retainer, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a roll retainer fitting into ends of a roll to retain the roll. The roll retainer includes a retaining member having a flange facing one end of the roll; two or more supporting members pivotally retained by the retaining member, each of the supporting members being movable along an axial direction within a plane between a supporting position at which the supporting member is inserted in a hollow shaft of the roll and a retracted position at which the supporting member is retracted from the supporting position; and a linking device configured to couple the supporting members, the supporting members being linked with one another to be moved between the supporting positions and the retracted positions.