Segmented Belt Support Structure for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt support structures in inkjet printers face high load on motors and contamination issues due to their design, which affects the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A belt support structure comprising longitudinal, narrow support beams and spaced connection bridges, aligned parallel to the transport direction, with a large open area for air passage and easy cleaning, formed from low-cost, injection-molded plastic materials like PTFE and glass fiber, which minimizes friction and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a solid plate belt support structure is used, then the belt support is stable and flat, but the friction between the belt and support structure is high, resulting in high motor load
Solution Approach 1:
The solid plate support structure is segmented into multiple longitudinal support beams spaced apart from each other. This segmentation reduces the contact area between the belt and support structure, thereby reducing friction and motor load while maintaining the flat support plane through proper beam spacing and alignment.
2Strength
If a solid plate belt support structure is used, then the structural integrity is high, but contamination accumulates between the belt and support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into spaced longitudinal beams rather than a solid plate, creating gaps between the beams. These gaps allow air flow and reduce the accumulation of contamination between the belt and support structure, while the beams maintain sufficient structural integrity to support the belt.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt support structure adopts a porous-like configuration with gaps between the longitudinal beams, allowing air and contaminants to pass through rather than accumulate. This porous arrangement reduces contamination buildup while maintaining structural support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the contact area between belt and support structure is increased, then the support stability is improved, but the friction and motor load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses multiple spaced longitudinal beams that provide stability through distributed support points rather than continuous contact. This segmentation reduces the total contact area and friction while maintaining support stability through proper beam spacing and structural design.
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 reduces the load on the motor, minimizes contamination, and enhances air flow, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective printing process with reduced operational and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source for creating negative pressure in the suction chamber
Implementation Method 2
an endless, air permeable belt positioned at least partially over a suction chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A low cost and low air resistance belt support structure for an endless belt conveyor of an inkjet printer can be achieved with the belt support structure being provided over a suction chamber. The belt support structure includes a plurality of longitudinal, narrow support beams positioned spaced apart from one another and parallel to one another in a transport direction of the belt to define a flat support plane for the belt. The support beams provides a relatively small contact area with the belt, which results in low friction. The support beams further allow for a relatively large open area between them to achieve a low air resistance.