Adjustable Roller Coating Belt for Variable Media Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing systems face challenges in applying a primer coating uniformly across media of varying dimensions, often resulting in excess primer being applied to the media or other components of the printing system.

Innovation Solution

A modular printing system with a controller, rollers, and a continuous belt that adjusts its width and length to match the media dimensions, ensuring precise application of the primer coating and preventing excess application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the printing system uses a fixed-size coating apparatus, then the structure is simple and maintenance is easy, but it cannot accommodate media of different dimensions resulting in primer being applied to only a portion of the media or around the media

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle media of different dimensionsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable coating apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating apparatus employs adjustable rollers and belts that can dynamically change their width and length to match the dimensions of different media. The rollers can be moved closer together or farther apart, and the belt length can be adjusted, allowing the same apparatus to accommodate various media sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coating apparatus is divided into modular components including adjustable rollers, a continuous belt, and a controller. Each component can be independently adjusted or replaced, enabling flexible adaptation to different media dimensions while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coating apparatus is made adjustable to handle different media dimensions, then versatility improves, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle media of different dimensionsVSAvoidmaintenance of adjustable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is designed with modular segmented components that can be independently accessed and maintained. The rollers, belts, and other adjustable parts are positioned to allow easy removal and replacement without disassembling the entire apparatus, reducing maintenance complexity despite the adjustable nature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller automatically manages the adjustment of rollers and belts based on media dimensions, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintenance. The system can self-adjust between different media sizes, minimizing the burden on operators and reducing maintenance frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the coating apparatus is made adjustable to handle different media dimensions, then versatility improves, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle media of different dimensionsVSAvoidspace occupied by adjustable apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus uses dynamically adjustable rollers and belts that can be compacted when not in use. The rollers can be positioned closer together and the belt can be retracted, allowing the apparatus to occupy less space when handling smaller media, thus reducing overall space requirements while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single adjustable apparatus serves multiple functions by accommodating various media dimensions, replacing the need for multiple fixed-size coating devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate apparatus for different media sizes into one space-efficient unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If the printing system applies primer to match media dimensions, then coating precision improves, but excess primer may be applied around the media

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of primer applicationVSAvoidexcess primer applied around media

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coating apparatus applies primer with varying local quality by adjusting the coating density and coverage area to match the specific dimensions and requirements of each media piece. The system concentrates primer application precisely on the media surface area needed, avoiding uniform over-application that would create waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives feedback about media dimensions and automatically adjusts the roller positioning and belt length to match the exact media size. This closed-loop control ensures the primer is applied only to the necessary area, preventing excess application around the media while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9956584B2To apply a coating to media

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 HP INDIGO BV

AI summary

In some examples, an apparatus to apply a coating to a media includes a first roller to receive a continuous belt that is to receive a coating from a second roller and to transfer the coating to the media, the first roller having a variable dimension to provide an adjustable width of the continuous belt to the second roller.