Displaceable Roller Mechanism for Noise Reduction in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recording apparatuses, such as printers, experience noise issues due to driven rollers coming into contact with driving rollers having high-friction layers, especially when handling smaller paper sizes, leading to increased noise and wear.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with displaceable second rollers that move between contact and non-contact positions relative to the first roller, using a unit that switches roller positioning based on the medium's width and oscillating support members with cam mechanisms to adjust roller posture, ensuring minimal contact and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If driven rollers are configured to always contact the driving roller to ensure reliable paper transportation, then paper transportation reliability is improved, but noise is generated due to contact between rollers with high-friction layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the contact state between driven rollers and driving roller changeable. The driven rollers are configured to be displaceable between a first position (contacting the driving roller) and a second position (separated from the driving roller). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the contact state based on operational requirements, thereby reducing noise during separation while maintaining transportation reliability when contact is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the positional parameter of the driven rollers. By changing the position of driven rollers from a fixed contact state to a variable position that can be adjusted between contacting and separating from the driving roller, the system modifies the contact parameter to reduce noise generation while preserving functional performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driven rollers are used to handle various paper sizes, then adaptability is improved, but noise increases due to increased contact area with the driving roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the dynamics principle to multiple driven rollers by configuring each roller to be displaceable between contact and separation positions. This allows the system to dynamically adjust which rollers are in contact with the driving roller based on the specific paper size being handled, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing overall noise by minimizing unnecessary contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the contact behavior of individual driven rollers based on their position and function. Not all driven rollers need to contact the driving roller simultaneously; the system can selectively engage only the necessary rollers for the current paper size, reducing the total contact area and associated noise while maintaining the capability to handle various paper sizes.
3Productivity
If driven rollers are positioned close to the driving roller for efficient paper transport, then transportation efficiency is improved, but wear occurs on the roller surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling driven rollers to dynamically adjust their position between close contact (for efficient transportation) and separation (for wear reduction). The rollers can be positioned close to the driving roller during active transportation to maintain efficiency, then moved to separated positions during idle periods or when not in use to minimize wear on the roller surfaces and extend their operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a cycle of contact and separation for the driven rollers. During paper transportation operations, the rollers periodically contact the driving roller to maintain transportation efficiency. During non-operational periods, the rollers are separated to allow wear reduction and surface maintenance, creating a periodic pattern of use and recovery that extends roller durability.
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 effectively reduces noise and wear by minimizing contact between rollers, enhancing the durability and noise reduction capabilities of the apparatus, particularly when handling various paper sizes.
Implementation Method 1
oscillating support members with cam mechanisms to adjust roller posture
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: a first roller; a plurality of second rollers which are displaceably provided between a position that is contacted with the first roller and a position that is left apart from the first roller, and are disposed along an axial direction of rotation of the first roller; and a unit that switches roller position, which causes the second rollers located outside a region of a medium among the plurality of second rollers to leave apart from the first roller depending on a size of a medium that is transported.