Image Recording Apparatus Sheet Curving Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image recording apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate image recording due to dispersion of the wave amplitude formed by the sheet, as the central portion of the sheet is difficult to curve effectively, leading to inconsistent image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a platen with ribs and holding members positioned to curve the sheet in a wavy form, where the central portion is easily pulled towards the center by reducing frictional force on the outer sides, allowing for precise curvature and reduced amplitude dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sheet is curved by being interposed between a platen with ribs and a sheet holding plate with projections, then the sheet strength is strengthened with respect to bending, but the amplitude of the wave formed by the sheet is dispersed in the widthwise direction
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet holding plate is divided into multiple holding members arranged in the widthwise direction, each independently pressing the sheet at different positions. This segmentation allows for more uniform distribution of pressing force across the sheet width, reducing wave amplitude dispersion while maintaining sheet strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding members are designed with different pressing characteristics at different widthwise positions. The pressing force and position are optimized locally for each holding member to ensure uniform wave formation across the entire sheet width, addressing the non-uniform pressure distribution problem.
2Shape
If projections are arranged aligned in the widthwise direction to curve the sheet, then the sheet is curved simultaneously at all portions, but a large force is required to pull the sheet portions up to the center
Solution Approach 1:
The holding members are positioned to press the sheet at optimized locations upstream before the sheet reaches the ribbed platen. This preliminary action creates initial curvature that guides the sheet formation process, reducing the force required during subsequent pressing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding members act as intermediary elements between the sheet and the ribbed platen, distributing the pressing action through multiple contact points. This intermediary mechanism reduces peak forces by spreading the load across multiple holding members rather than requiring concentrated force from single projections.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a recording section which is provided over a transport passage for transporting a sheet in a transport direction and which has nozzles for discharging an ink onto the sheet; a platen which is provided under the recording section with the transport passage intervening therebetween and which has a plurality of ribs provided to support the sheet while being separated from each other in a widthwise direction of the transport passage perpendicular to the transport direction, the respective ribs protruding upwardly and extending in the transport direction; and a plurality of holding members which are provided to be positioned between the plurality of ribs in the widthwise direction of the transport passage over the platen on an upstream side in the transport direction from the nozzles and which abut against an upper surface of the sheet and press the sheet toward the platen.