Adjustable Edge Seals for Uniform Vacuum in Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems face challenges with dimensional changes in print media due to moisture content, leading to wrinkles and image quality degradation, and existing vacuum systems struggle to apply uniform vacuum force across the width of the print media, causing leakage or fluttering.
Innovation Solution
A system with adjustable edge seals and a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum source, using sensors to measure vacuum levels and adjust seal positions to ensure uniform vacuum application, generating response curves to determine optimal seal placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum system is used to apply vacuum force on the print media, then wrinkles and fluttering are reduced, but uniform vacuum application across the width of the print media is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into multiple independent vacuum chambers along the width of the print media. Each chamber can be independently controlled to apply vacuum force, allowing uniform distribution across the entire width and preventing localized leakage or over-vacuuming that causes fluttering
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the vacuum system are designed with locally optimized characteristics. Edge seals are positioned at specific locations to address edge effects, while central regions use different vacuum application methods. This local customization ensures uniform vacuum distribution across the entire print media width
2Area of stationary object
If the vacuum manifold width is larger than the print media width, then complete coverage is achieved, but air leakage occurs at the edges
Solution Approach 1:
Edge seals are pre-positioned at the edges of the print media before the vacuum is applied. These seals create a barrier that prevents air from leaking into the vacuum system at the edges, allowing the vacuum manifold to extend beyond the media width for complete coverage without suffering from edge leakage losses
3Loss of energy
If the vacuum manifold width is smaller than the print media width, then air leakage is reduced, but the edges of the print media are not deflected away from the linehead
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into multiple segments including edge seals positioned at the boundaries and a central vacuum manifold. This segmentation allows the edge seals to prevent leakage while the central manifold provides sufficient vacuum force to deflect the print media away from the linehead, achieving both leakage reduction and complete media coverage
4Manufacturing precision
If edge seals are positioned to match print media width, then uniform vacuum is achieved, but additional hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The edge seals are designed to perform multiple functions: they seal the edges of the print media, define the vacuum chamber boundaries, and provide structural support for the vacuum manifold. This multi-functionality allows precise vacuum application without requiring separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity
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 solution ensures uniform vacuum application across the print media, reducing wrinkles and improving image quality by preventing leakage and fluttering, and allows for precise adjustment to match varying print media widths without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source providing a vacuum environment within the vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for measuring a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating a response curve for adjusting the positions of a pair of adjustable edge seals to the width of a print medium in a printing system is disclosed. The system comprises a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum source, which provides vacuum to the vacuum chamber. Spaced sealing rollers and edge seals define an opening in the vacuum chamber. A sensor measures a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. A controller is used to produce signals indicative of an activation level or a vacuum level. Means for adjusting the position of the edge seals are used to reposition the edge seals to at least one new position. The controller produces signals indicative of an activation level or a vacuum level at the new positions. A response curve is produced using the signals produced at the first and new positions.