Tape reel assembly with self-adjusting flange for a data storage tape cartridge

A data storage tape cartridge comprising:

• a housing defining an enclosed region;
• at least one tape reel assembly rotatably disposed within the enclosed region and including:
• a hub defining a hub axis, a tape-receiving surface, and opposing first and second ends,
• a first flange extending from the first end of the hub, the first flange including:
• a main body extending radially from the hub,
• an adjustment section provided within the main body, the adjustment section defining a tape edge contact surface and characterized by an increased flexibility as compared to the main body such that the tape edge contact surface is readily deflectable relative to the hub axis,
• a second flange extending from the second end of the hub;
• and
• a storage tape wound about the tape-receiving surface of the hub;
• wherein winding of the storage tape imparts a winding pressure onto the hub, and further wherein the adjustment section is configured such that a deflection orientation of the tape edge contact surface is a function of the winding pressure.

A data storage tape cartridge comprising:

• a housing defining an enclosed region;
• at least one tape reel rotatably disposed within the enclosed region, the tape reel including:
• a hub defining a hub axis, a tape-receiving surface, and opposing first and second ends,
• a first flange extending from the first end of the hub, the first flange including:
• a main body extending radially from the hub,
• an adjustment section provided within the main body, the adjustment section defining a tape edge contact surface and characterized by an increased flexibility as compared to the main body such that the tape edge contact surface is readily deflectable relative to the hub axis,
• a second flange extending from the second end of the hub;
• and
• a storage tape wound about the tape-receiving surface of the hub;
• wherein the adjustment section is configured to gradually deflect inwardly relative to the hub axis with an increased length of the storage tape being wound about the hub such that the tape edge contact surface contacts an edge of the tape and establishes a lateral spacing between the tape edge and at least a portion of the main body.