Gimbaled Monoclamp for Print Medium Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printer output medium alignment issues arise due to curling and trapped air, leading to misalignment and uneven clamping forces in existing clamping systems, which affect post-processing functions like stapling and three-hole punching.
Innovation Solution
A gimbaled monoclamp system with a single clamp having two integral pads and a pivot point, providing even clamping forces and minimizing curling by actuating sequentially with trailing edge clamps to secure the print medium effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two individual clamps are used in the clamping system, then the clamping coverage is improved, but the clamping forces become uneven and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate clamps into a single monoclamp assembly with two integral pads. This unified structure ensures even clamping forces across both pads while maintaining coverage of the print medium, resolving the force uniformity issue that arose with two individual clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The monoclamp is segmented into two integral pads that can be positioned at different locations along the print medium. This segmentation allows the single clamp to apply force at multiple points, achieving both coverage and force uniformity
2Reliability
If dedicated fixtures are added to time the actuation of two individual clamps, then the clamping synchronization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate clamps into one monoclamp assembly with integral pads, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated timing fixtures. The single actuation mechanism inherently synchronizes the clamping action across both pads, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
3Length of stationary object
If print medium is stacked with curling and trapped air, then the stack height increases, but the alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monoclamp applies preliminary clamping force to the print medium before post-processing operations, preventing curling and trapping air between sheets. This preliminary action maintains alignment precision and prevents the stack height increase that would otherwise occur
4Force
If the clamp is made rigid to apply strong clamping force, then the clamping force increases, but the ability to adapt to curled print medium decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The monoclamp assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to curled print medium while maintaining strong clamping force. The single clamp structure with integral pads can conform to the medium's shape, providing both force and adaptability
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 gimbaled monoclamp system reduces curling and air trapping, ensures consistent clamping forces, and improves stack alignment, enhancing post-processing operations and job quality by maintaining a stable stack position.
Implementation Method 1
a pin to couple the clamp to the housing in a gimbaled manner
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a gimbaled monoclamp can include a housing including a first opening, a second opening, and a pivot point, a clamp disposed at least partially in the housing and including a first pad and a second pad to extend through the first opening and the second opening, respectively, and a pin extending through an opening in the clamp into the pivot point to couple the clamp to the housing in a gimbaled manner.