Adjustable Media Edge Hold-Down for Curl Control on Suction Belts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media edge curl preventers for printers are not versatile enough to handle a wide range of print media, particularly in scanning inkjet printers with an endless transport belt, leading to potential damage from curling edges contacting printheads.
Innovation Solution
A media edge curl preventer with an adjustable hold-down body and curvature adjuster that applies varying hold-down forces by adjusting the curvature of the hold-down body, suitable for different types of print media, including those used in scanning inkjet printers with an endless transport belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hold-down force is applied by the media edge curl preventer, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different print media types and thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-down body is made adjustable in curvature through the curvature adjuster mechanism, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt its shape and applied force to match different print media requirements, thereby achieving versatility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature of the hold-down body is changed as a controllable parameter through the curvature adjuster, allowing the hold-down force to be varied according to the specific print media being used, enabling adaptation across different media types while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
2Reliability
If the hold-down body is made rigid to prevent media displacement, then media control is improved, but it cannot adjust to different media types and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-down body transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable component whose curvature can be modified via the curvature adjuster, maintaining reliable media control while adapting to different media types and preventing damage through force adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature parameter of the hold-down body is made variable through the curvature adjuster mechanism, allowing the hold-down force to be optimized for each media type, thus maintaining reliability while achieving versatility across different print media
3Force
If a stationary medium support surface is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide sufficient hold-down force for resilient or stiffer print media
Solution Approach 1:
The media edge curl preventer is transformed from a stationary structure to a dynamic component that can adjust its curvature and applied force through the curvature adjuster, enabling it to provide sufficient hold-down force for resilient or stiffer media while maintaining relatively simple mechanical complexity
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
Effectively prevents media edges from curling away from the transport belt, ensuring secure holding and preventing damage to both print media and printheads, adaptable to various media types and thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
a curvature adjuster configured for adjusting a curvature of the hold-down body, thereby adjusting a hold-down force the hold-down body exerts towards the medium support surface
Implementation Method 2
The holding means may comprise for example suction or vacuum devices, which apply a negative pressure to a side of the print medium facing the medium support surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A solution is provided to prevent the lateral side edges of print media on an endless suction transport belt from colliding with the scanning print head carriage. The printer comprises: - a media edge curl preventer (20, 120) which comprises: - a hold-down body (21, 121) positionable, so that the hold-down body (21, 121) curves towards the medium support surface; and - a curvature adjuster (30, 130) configured for adjusting a curvature of the hold-down body (21, 121), thereby adjusting a hold down force the hold-down body (21, 121) exerts towards the medium support surface.