Wireform Label Roll Hub for Variable Core Size Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label supply roll hubs fail to effectively grip label supply rolls with varying core sizes due to moulded arms that lose their spring back ability over time, leading to loose fittings and poor performance.
Innovation Solution
A label supply roll hub with wireform members that are pressed radially inward by the core and then apply outward pressure to securely hold label supply rolls, accommodating different core sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moulded arms are used to hold the label supply roll core, then the core is initially held in place, but the arms lose spring back ability over time causing the core to become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid moulded plastic to flexible wireform material. The wireform members maintain their elasticity over time, allowing them to continuously adapt to core size variations and maintain reliable retention throughout the service life of the hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub combines wireform members with a hub body structure, creating a composite system where the wireform provides elastic retention force while the hub body provides structural support. This composite approach maintains reliability over extended periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hub design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different label supply roll core sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The wireform members are designed to be dynamically adjustable, bending and flexing to accommodate different core diameters. This dynamic capability allows a single hub design to adapt to various label supply roll core sizes without requiring multiple specialized hub types.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireform members change their physical configuration (bending angle, radial position) based on the core size inserted, allowing the hub to adapt to different diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If moulded arms are used initially, then the hub is easy to manufacture, but the arms take a set and no longer spring back leading to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property from rigid to elastic, allowing the hub members to spring back and maintain grip reliability over time while remaining relatively easy to manufacture using standard wireform fabrication processes.
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 provides secure retention of label supply rolls with various core sizes, enhancing flexibility and reliability, and extending the life of the hub under prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
the wireform member is configured such that at least a core engaging portion of the wireform member is pressed radially inward when engaged by a label supply roll core sliding axially onto the label supply roll hub, wherein the wireform member is configured to apply radially outward pressure against the label supply roll core after the core engaging portion is pressed radially inward
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a label supply roll hub, a media path along which label stock is movable and a printhead positioned along the media path. The label supply roll hub comprises a hub body and at least one wireform member positioned on the hub body and configured such that at least a core engaging portion of the wireform member is pressed radially inward when engaged by a label supply roll core sliding axially onto the label supply roll hub, wherein the wireform member is configured to apply radially outward pressure against the label supply roll core after the core engaging portion is pressed radially inward.