Endless Belt Steering Mechanism for Meandering Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems, the meandering of an endless belt due to uneven tension leads to positional deviations, which existing correction mechanisms fail to address effectively, potentially causing damage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A belt driving device incorporating a steering roller, adjustment member, and link mechanism that converts linear motion of the endless belt into rotational motion to tilt the steering roller, thereby correcting positional deviations by adjusting tension and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an existing correction mechanism is used to address belt meandering, then some correction is achieved, but the mechanism is insufficient to effectively correct positional deviations and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the meandering motion itself to drive the correction mechanism. The endless belt's longitudinal movement directly actuates the adjustment member, which converts this linear motion into rotational motion of the steering roller, creating a self-regulating feedback system that automatically corrects positional deviations without external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The correction mechanism establishes a closed-loop feedback system where the belt's meandering position is continuously monitored through its longitudinal movement, and the steering roller's inclination is automatically adjusted in response to correct the deviation, ensuring continuous correction effectiveness
2Manufacturing precision
If a steering roller is inclined to correct meandering, then positional deviation is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering roller transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable inclination angle. The roller can rotate about its axis in the longitudinal direction of the endless belt, allowing real-time adaptation to correct meandering while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The correction mechanism introduces rotational freedom in the longitudinal dimension of the steering roller, adding a new degree of freedom that enables precise positional correction without requiring complex multi-component assemblies
3Stability of the object's composition
If the endless belt tension is adjusted to prevent meandering, then operational stability is improved, but the tension adjustment mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tension adjustment function is merged with the existing steering roller mechanism. The same rotational movement that inclines the steering roller also adjusts the belt tension, combining two correction functions into a single integrated component, thereby improving stability without adding separate complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A driving apparatus includes an endless belt, a belt roller which engages the endless belt, a steering member and an adjustment member. The belt roller has a rotation shaft. The steering member contacts the endless belt at the inner side of the endless belt. The adjustment member is supported rotatably. The adjustment member receives a force in response to the endless belt moving in a longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft of the belt roller, and generates a pressing force that tilts the steering member via a rotational movement of the adjustment member.