Conveying Roller Air Current Generation for Web Slipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web conveying devices face inefficiencies in air suction due to high ventilation resistance at the connection between air passages, leading to ineffective removal of air between the web and the conveying roller, which can cause slipping and delay in web conveyance, affecting image quality in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a conveying roller with a first air passage extending axially and a second air passage intersecting at an obtuse angle, combined with an air current generation portion that reduces ventilation resistance by generating air currents that flow efficiently through the second air passage, ensuring effective air suction and preventing slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a suction mechanism is added to suck air from the conveying roller, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air current generation portion is integrated within the conveying roller itself, merging the air suction function with the conveying function. The first air passage extends axially inside the roller while the second air passage extends radially to communicate with the outer peripheral surface, creating a combined structure that eliminates the need for separate external suction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The air passage system is nested within the conveying roller structure. The first air passage is positioned inside the roller's outer peripheral portion, and the second air passage extends from the first air passage to the outer surface, creating a nested configuration where the air suction channels are embedded within the roller itself.
2Productivity
If air passages are configured to extend radially and axially, then air suction efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage system is segmented into two distinct portions: the first air passage extending in the axial direction inside the roller, and the second air passage extending in the radial direction from the first air passage to the outer surface. This segmentation allows each passage to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the conveying roller are assigned different functions: the inner region contains the first air passage for air intake, while the outer region contains the second air passage for air discharge. This local differentiation optimizes air flow paths while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through region-specific structural design.
3Volume of stationary object
If the air current generation portion is integrated in the roller, then apparatus size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying roller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys the web through rotation while also generating and directing air currents through its integrated air passages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, minimizing apparatus size while the standardized roller design helps manage manufacturing precision requirements.
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 configuration enables efficient air suction between the web and the conveying roller, preventing slipping and ensuring timely conveyance, thereby maintaining image quality and reducing the size of the apparatus by integrating the air current generation mechanism within the roller.
Implementation Method 1
The air current generation portion is provided in the first air passage and generates an air current that flows in the second air passage toward the first air passage
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying roller includes a roller portion, a first air passage, a second air passage, and an air current generation portion. The roller portion rotates in contact with a web. The first air passage extends in an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the roller portion inside an outer peripheral portion of the roller portion and communicates with an outside at an end on a side of a first direction parallel to the axial direction. The second air passage extends from the first air passage in a direction that intersects the first direction and communicates with the outside of the outer peripheral portion. The air current generation portion is provided in the first air passage and generates an air current that flows in the second air passage toward the first air passage.