Sheet Storage Device Frame Mechanism for Tape Tension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet storage devices require complex adjustments and structures to prevent tape slacking when opening the transport path, often necessitating torsion springs or locking mechanisms to maintain tension, which complicates the design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A sheet storage device configuration featuring a frame with movable parts that support the reel and drum, allowing the tape path to adjust without the need for additional tensioning mechanisms, ensuring the tape remains wound and preventing slacking when the transport path is opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torsion spring is attached to the tape reel to prevent tape slacking, then the tape tension is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustment mechanisms or locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the torsion spring and associated adjustment/locking mechanisms from the system. Instead of using active tensioning components, the design relies on the geometric relationship between the drum and tape reel, where the tape path length is naturally maintained through the relative positioning of these two components, eliminating the need for complex tensioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent geometric constraints of the drum-reel-tape arrangement to automatically maintain tape tension. As the drum rotates or the reel moves, the tape path length is passively maintained through the fixed geometric relationship between components, without requiring active control or adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the upper guide turns around the retraction shaft to open the transport path, then the transport path can be opened for jam removal, but the tape path between the drum and tape reel is shortened causing tape slacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frame structure where the first frame part can move relative to the second frame part. When the transport path needs to be opened, the frame dynamically adjusts its configuration, and the tape reel moves together with the first frame part, maintaining the tape path length and tension throughout the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the movement of the tape reel with the movement of the first frame part. Both move together as a unified assembly, ensuring that the relative position between the tape reel and drum is maintained, thereby preventing tape slacking even when the transport path is opened.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism or torque limiter mechanism is provided to prevent drum rotation, then the drum is prevented from rotating under torsion spring pressure, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes locking mechanisms and torque limiters from the system. Instead of using mechanical constraints to prevent drum rotation, the design relies on the geometric relationship and tape path length maintenance through coordinated movement of the frame and tape reel, eliminating the need for complex rotation control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet storage device includes a reel around which a tape is wound, a drum onto which a sheet is wound together with the tape, an input and output opening through which the sheet is passed, and a frame that forms at least a portion of a transport path on which the sheet is transported from the input and output opening to the drum, the frame has a first and a second frame part, the first and second frame parts move relative to each other to switch between a state in which the transport path is formed and a state in which at least a portion of the transport path is open, the first frame part supports the reel, and forms a tape path extending from the reel to the drum, the first frame part moves together with the reel and the tape path relative to the second frame part.