Interchangeable Sleeve Spindle for Variable Paper Roll Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers are often limited to accommodating only standard-sized paper rolls, requiring user-adjustment with tools for different sizes, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A spindle assembly with a spindle arm and interchangeable sleeves of varying sizes that can be easily attached to a printer mechanism, allowing for the accommodation of paper rolls with different widths and bore sizes without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed bucket width is used for standard-sized paper rolls, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different paper roll sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly is divided into a fixed spindle arm and interchangeable sleeves. The spindle arm provides the fixed structural base, while separate sleeves with different dimensions can be attached to accommodate various paper roll sizes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple fixed structure while gaining versatility through modular components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable screw mounted side guides or manually adjustable side guides are used, then adaptability to different paper roll sizes is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user adjustment with tools
Solution Approach 1:
The side guides are replaced with interchangeable sleeves that can be quickly attached and removed from the spindle arm. This dynamic configuration allows users to change paper roll accommodation by simply swapping sleeves rather than manually adjusting fixed components with tools, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manually adjustable spindle stops are used, then adaptability to different paper roll sizes is improved, but loss of time increases due to requiring user adjustment with tools
Solution Approach 1:
Sleeves of different sizes are pre-manufactured with specific dimensions tailored to different paper roll sizes. Users can directly attach the appropriate pre-sized sleeve to the spindle arm without performing any adjustment operations. This preliminary preparation of sized components eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments and tool usage during setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A spindle assembly capable of accommodating paper rolls of varying sizes is provided. The spindle assembly comprises a spindle arm adapted to be connected to a printer mechanism. The spindle arm comprises a first flange surrounding an opening. A spindle is provided for accepting a first paper roll. A first end of the spindle is fixed in the opening of the spindle arm. The spindle comprises a second flange arranged at a second end of the spindle. A sleeve is provided which is adapted to slide over the spindle and attach to the spindle arm for accepting a second paper roll. The second paper roll has a different size than the first paper roll. A printer having such a spindle assembly is provided, as is a method for accommodating different sized paper rolls in a printer.