Inkjet Printer Tension Bar Layout for Stable Media Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers and inkjet printers face issues with fluctuating tension application on long media, contamination from ink mist solidification, and inadequate nozzle moisturization, leading to print quality degradation and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The printer employs a tension bar that moves in a forward and downward direction, guided by a biasing mechanism to stabilize tension, incorporates a filter system to prevent ink mist contamination, and uses a liquid level detection mechanism to maintain optimal nozzle moisturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the tension bar contacts the medium after printing from above to apply tension, then the tension application is effective, but the printer size in the up and down direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The tension bar is inverted to contact the medium from below instead of from above. This inversion allows the tension bar to apply effective tension to the medium while being positioned in a space-saving location, thereby reducing the printer's overall size in the up and down direction without sacrificing tension application effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If the fan discharges air from the space below the printing platen, then the medium is sucked onto the printing platen, but ink mist solidifies and contaminates the discharged air
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful ink mist is extracted and separated from the air flow before discharge. A filtration system is introduced that removes solidified ink particles from the air stream, allowing the fan to continue discharging air for medium holding while preventing contaminated air from being released into the environment
3Reliability
If the liquid feeding pump supplies water into the cap at high rate, then the nozzle surface is moisturized, but the liquid level in the water tank decreases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid level detection mechanism provides feedback on the water level in the cap, and a control mechanism adjusts the liquid feeding pump's operation based on this feedback. The pump supplies water at a high rate only when the liquid level is low, and reduces or stops supply when the level is sufficient, thereby maintaining reliable nozzle moisturization while preventing excessive water consumption and tank depletion
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
Stabilizes tension application, prevents medium contamination, and ensures consistent nozzle moisturization, thereby enhancing print quality and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the tension bar to an obliquely rear and upper side
Implementation Method 2
applies tension to the medium by gravity acting on the tension bar
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is a printer that enables movement of a tension bar in a forward and downward direction, brings the tension bar into contact, from obliquely rear and upward, with a medium after printing that is moving downward, and even when applying tension to the medium via the force of gravity exerted on the tension bar, can inhibit fluctuations in tension of the medium applied by the tension bar when the position of the tension bar has fluctuated. In this printer, a medium printed on by a printing mechanism moves forward and then moves downward. A tension bar 40 contacts, from obliquely rear and upward, the medium that is moving downward, and applies tension to the medium via the force of gravity exerted on the tension bar 40. A tension applying mechanism 12 includes a guide part 43 that linearly guides the tension bar 40 in a forward and downward direction, and an urging member 44 for urging the tension bar 40 toward obliquely rear and upward.