Image Forming Apparatus with Rotating Object Holding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming technologies face difficulties in transferring images onto the circumferential surfaces of objects such as cylinders and spheres, as they require precise alignment and contact with the object's surface, which is challenging for various media shapes and thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a transfer unit that contacts the object to transfer images, a holding unit that rotates the object's circumferential surface, and a transport unit that moves the holding unit along a path, allowing the transfer unit to print images on the object's circumferential surface as it rotates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transfer unit contacts an object to transfer an image, then image transfer is achieved, but it is difficult to transfer an image onto the circumferential surface of a cylinder, sphere, or similar object along its circumference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to print on circumferential surfacesVSAvoidcomplexity of transport and holding mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the object along a linear path while attempting to print on its circumferential surface, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the object about its circumferential axis and bringing the transfer unit into contact with the rotating surface. This allows the transfer unit to remain stationary in position while the object's circumferential surface moves past it, enabling image transfer along the circumference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic rotation of the object about its circumferential axis during the image transfer process. The holding unit rotates the object at a controlled speed while the transfer unit maintains contact, allowing the image to be transferred progressively along the circumferential surface as the object rotates through the transfer zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the object is rotated to enable circumferential printing, then image transfer onto circumferential surface is enabled, but maintaining stable contact between transfer unit and object becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircumferential image transfer capabilityVSAvoidstability of contact during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a holding unit as an intermediary between the transport unit and the object. The holding unit includes a support table with a roller that contacts the object's circumferential surface, and a pivotally-supporting part that allows the object to rotate about its central axis. This intermediary structure mediates the interaction between the stationary transfer unit and the rotating object, maintaining stable contact while enabling circumferential rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the conventional mechanical transport system (where the object is moved linearly through the printer) with a rotational mechanical system. Instead of moving the object along the transport path, the object is rotated in place about its circumferential axis while the transfer unit remains stationary, substituting linear motion with rotational motion to achieve circumferential printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional transport system is used, then linear transport is simple, but image transfer onto circumferential surfaces along the circumference cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting on various object shapesVSAvoidsimplicity of transport mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various object shapes and sizes. It includes a support table with a roller that can accommodate different circumferential surfaces, and a pivotally-supporting part that allows rotation about the central axis. This universal holding mechanism can adapt to cylinders, spheres, and other shapes with circumferential surfaces, enabling the same basic structure to serve multiple printing applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4300196B1Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.07.09 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer unit that transfers an image onto an object by making contact with the object; a holding unit that holds the object having a circumferential surface so that the circumferential surface rotates along a transfer direction of the transfer unit; and a transport unit that transports the holding unit holding the object along a transport path, and the transfer unit transfers an image onto the circumferential surface of the object in a circumferential direction as the object rotates, by making contact with the circumferential surface of the object maintained at a transfer position.