Flat Support Surface Structure for Web Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for air-permeable conveyer belts in printers fail to control curvature effectively, leading to suboptimal print quality due to mechanical or thermal strain, and are not cost-effective in achieving precise flatness.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with beams having a base part and a ruler part connected by three adjustment mechanisms, each comprising a pivotable lever and articulated link, allowing for precise control of beam inclination and curvature, and thermal insulation to maintain uniform temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adjustment mechanisms are provided for adjusting the height and inclination of the beams, then the curvature of the support surface can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is divided into a base part and a ruler part that can be adjusted independently. The ruler part is segmented into multiple sections that can be individually positioned using adjustment mechanisms, allowing precise curvature control without requiring the entire beam to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms enable dynamic positioning of the ruler parts along the beam. The ruler parts can be moved to different heights and inclinations to compensate for curvature variations, providing adaptability without permanent complex structuring.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are distributed over the length of the beam, then the curvature control accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing adjustment mechanisms at every possible location, the patent distributes a sufficient number of adjustment mechanisms (at least three per beam) at strategic positions along the beam. This partial distribution achieves the necessary curvature control accuracy without the excessive cost of full coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms serve multiple functions: they control the height, inclination, and curvature of the ruler parts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each adjustment type, lowering overall manufacturing cost while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ruler parts are connected to the base parts with adjustment mechanisms, then the curvature can be controlled, but the thermal insulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between ruler parts and base parts is extracted from a continuous rigid connection to a localized articulated connection through adjustment mechanisms. This extraction creates thermal breaks at the connection points, maintaining thermal insulation while preserving curvature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms act as intermediary elements between the ruler parts and base parts. These intermediaries provide the necessary mechanical connection for curvature control while introducing thermal resistance that maintains the thermal insulation properties of the overall structure.
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
Enables high-accuracy control of curvature and thermal insulation, ensuring a perfectly flat support surface for improved print quality while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
each adjustment mechanism comprises a lever that is pivotable relative to the base part about a fixed fulcrum
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment arm of each adjustment mechanism provides a certain leverage for applying a sufficient bending force to the ruler part of the beam
Implementation Method 3
is connected to the ruler part by an articulated link
Implementation Method 4
the ruler parts of the beams are connected to the base parts only locally via a relatively small number of articulated links, so that the ruler parts of the beams and, accordingly, the support surface is thermally insulated from the rest of the support structure. This facilitates to keep the recording media at a uniform temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure defining a flat support surface for supporting a web material includes a number of beams, each having a cross-section elongated in a first direction normal to the support surface. The beams have a ruler edge extending in a second direction in parallel with the support surface, which is defined by the ruler edges. The support structure includes a number of adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the positions of the ruler edges in the first direction. Each beam has a base part and a ruler part, the ruler part defining the ruler edge and being connected to the base part by at least three adjustment mechanisms distributed over the length of the beam. Each adjustment mechanism includes a lever that is pivotable relative to the base part about a fixed fulcrum, is connected to the ruler part, and has an adjustment arm with an adjustable free end.