Dynamic Jig Support for Image Formation on Variable-Height Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the support unit for the recording medium can cause the image formation region to become narrow due to height variations of the recording medium, leading to potential misregistration and image transfer issues.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a transport mechanism with an attachment table that has a height adjuster, allowing the medium to be positioned correctly, and a jig that supports the medium without protruding beyond the image formation surface, ensuring uninterrupted contact between the intermediate transfer belt and the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a support unit such as a jig is provided to support the recording medium, then misregistration of the recording medium is prevented, but the region where an image can be formed on the recording medium becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The jig is designed with a movable support surface that can dynamically adjust its position. The support surface moves in the transport direction to follow the contour of the recording medium, ensuring continuous contact between the intermediate transfer belt and the image formation surface while maintaining support precision and preventing misregistration throughout the image formation region.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism transitions from a static two-dimensional support plane to a three-dimensional adaptable surface that conforms to the recording medium's contour. By adding the dimension of vertical adjustment and lateral movement, the jig can support varying thickness profiles while maintaining full contact across the entire image formation region.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support unit supports the recording medium with varying height, then the recording medium is stabilized, but contact between the transfer unit and image formation surface is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is designed to move dynamically in response to the recording medium's height variations. As the medium progresses through the image formation region, the support surface adjusts its position to maintain optimal contact, ensuring both stability during transport and reliable contact during image transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support surface acts as an intermediary between the fixed jig structure and the varying-height recording medium. It mediates the height differences by adapting its position, allowing stable support while ensuring continuous contact between the intermediate transfer belt and the image formation surface.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports a recording medium having an image formation surface whose height changes from a front end toward a rear end; a transfer unit that transfers an image onto the image formation surface of the recording medium transported by the transport unit by making contact with the image formation surface; and a support unit that supports the recording medium without hindering contact of the transfer unit with the image formation surface and is transported together with the recording medium by the transport unit.