Curl Control Assembly for Print Media Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices face challenges in delivering reliable and cost-effective output due to curling issues in print media, which can lead to damage, jamming, and inoperability, especially when ambient conditions and printing composition affect the media's curl.
Innovation Solution
A curl control assembly is integrated into the printing device, comprising an ejection flap assembly and a positioning mechanism driven by a processor, which selectively contacts the print media to adjust its curl by moving the ejection flap to predetermined positions, using a gear mechanism and actuator to control the curl, thereby reducing media curl and preventing jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a curl control assembly with ejection flap assembly is added to the printing device, then media curl is reduced and jamming is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the curl control function and media transport function into a single integrated assembly. The ejection flap assembly is positioned and actuated such that it performs both curl control and media ejection functions, reducing the need for separate independent mechanisms and thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection flap assembly serves multiple functions: it controls media curl, facilitates media ejection from the printing device, and can be positioned at different locations along the media path. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining improved reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single motor is used to drive both curl control and media transport mechanisms, then cost is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable ratio transmission mechanism that allows a single motor to dynamically adjust the speed and position ratios between the curl control assembly and media transport mechanism. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise control of the ejection flap position and media transport speed independently, maintaining manufacturing precision while using a single motor to reduce cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces separate independent motors with a single motor driving a variable ratio transmission system. This substitution reduces the number of components and manufacturing cost while the variable ratio transmission ensures that precise control is maintained through mechanical advantage adjustment rather than requiring multiple independent power sources.
3Reliability
If the ejection flap assembly is positioned at different predetermined positions, then curl control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a variable ratio transmission mechanism that enables dynamic positioning of the ejection flap assembly at different predetermined positions along the media path. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different media types and curl conditions without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the positioning is achieved through controlled motor movement and ratio adjustment rather than multiple fixed mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to computer readable medium with instructions that when executed on a processor cause the processor to control a curl control assembly for use in a device having an output for media.