Tape Cartridge Tab Portion for Compact Device Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tape printing devices face issues with increased size due to protruding tab pieces and complex structure for positioning the ribbon cassette, which complicates the loading process and requires a high open/close cover position.
Innovation Solution
A tape cartridge with a tab portion that moves between gripping and non-gripping positions, energized by an energizing portion to resist the pressing force of the open/close cover, allowing for simple positioning and reduced device size, featuring a recessed portion to minimize protrusion and a compression coil spring for rotation stoppage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tab pieces are provided protruding from the top surface of the ribbon case, then the user can easily grip the ribbon cassette for loading, but the open/close cover needs to be arranged at a high position to avoid interference with the tab pieces, resulting in an increase in the size of the tape printing device
Solution Approach 1:
The tab piece is designed to be movable between a protruding state (when the ribbon cassette is not loaded) and a retracted state (when the ribbon cassette is loaded). This dynamic configuration allows the tab piece to automatically adjust its position, providing easy grip during loading while avoiding interference with the open/close cover when loaded, thus eliminating the need to increase the device size.
2Reliability
If the ribbon cassette is positioned with engagement leg portions and guide shafts across the tape cassette, then the ribbon cassette can be securely positioned, but the upper wall section and engagement leg portions are required in addition to the ribbon case, resulting in complication of the structure for positioning the ribbon cassette
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is integrated into the tab piece itself rather than being separate components. The tab piece combines both the gripping function and the positioning function by engaging with the insertion slot of the cartridge loading section. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate engagement leg portions and guide shafts, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable positioning.
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 configuration reduces the size of the tape printing device, simplifies the loading process, and ensures smooth operation by preventing misalignment and obstruction, while maintaining efficient tape and ribbon management.
Implementation Method 1
a compression coil spring for rotation stoppage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A tape cartridge or the like such that the increase in the size of a tape printing device can be restrained and that positioning into a cartridge loading section is enabled with a simple structure, is to be provided. A tape cartridge 100 to be loaded in an unloadable manner in a tape printing device 1 having an open/close cover 7 to open/close a cartridge loading section 5 where the tape cartridge 100 is loaded. The tape cartridge includes: a tab portion 182 which is provided on a surface of the tape cartridge that faces the open/close cover 7 when loaded in the cartridge loading section, and which is configured to move between a gripping position and a non-gripping position in relation to the surface; and an energizing portion 284 which energizes the tab portion 182 toward the gripping position. The tab portion 182 is pressed by a pressing portion 85 provided on the open/close cover 7, in a closed state of the open/close cover 7. The energizing portion 284 is displaced to resist the pressing force of the pressing portion 85 via the tab portion 182.