Foil Transfer Apparatus Movable Frame Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foil transfer apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the position of the heating member due to sensor failure when the heating member does not move, despite the cam moving, leading to inaccurate positioning.

Innovation Solution

A foil transfer apparatus is designed with a movable frame supported by a cam mechanism, allowing the heating member and pressurizing member to move between contact and spaced positions, and a sensor detects the position of the movable frame, ensuring accurate detection and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the sensor detects the phase of the cam to determine the heating member position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the heating member does not move with the cam

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidheating member position detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A movable frame is introduced as an intermediary carrier that directly supports the heating member. The sensor detects the position of this movable frame rather than the heating member itself, providing a reliable intermediate reference point that accurately reflects the heating member's position even when direct detection fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection method is replaced from direct mechanical coupling detection (cam phase) to indirect position detection via the movable frame. This substitution allows the system to detect position through the frame's movement rather than relying on cam phase, which may not accurately reflect actual heating member position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the heating member is designed to move between contact and spaced positions, then the adaptability is improved for different sheet sizes, but the reliability deteriorates when the heating member fails to move as intended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying sheet sizesVSAvoidheating member movement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating member is designed with dynamic movability through the movable frame, allowing it to transition between contact and spaced positions. This dynamic configuration enables adaptation to different sheet sizes while the sensor continuously monitors the actual position to ensure reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A sensor provides feedback on the position of the movable frame carrying the heating member. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to verify whether the heating member has reached the intended position, enabling correction or compensation when movement reliability is compromised

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 precise detection and movement of the heating member, improving the accuracy of the foil transfer process and reducing the number of components required, while maintaining efficient operation across varying sheet sizes and temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a cam configured to move the movable frame between the first position and the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

a heating member configured to heat the foil film and the sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a pressurizing member configured to cooperate with the heating member to nip the foil film and the sheet therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11884049B2Foil transfer apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A foil transfer apparatus that transfers foil of a foil film to a sheet, including: a heating member and a pressurizing member that nip the foil film and the sheet; a movable frame supporting one of the heating member and the pressurizing member and movable between a first position at which the one of the heating member and the pressurizing member is located at a contact position so as to contact the foil film in a mounted state in which the foil film is mounted on a housing body and a second position at which the one of the heating member and the pressurizing member is located at a spaced position so as to be spaced from the foil film in the mounted state; a cam that moves the movable frame between the first position and the second position; and a sensor that detects a position of the movable frame.