Adjustable Media Edge Hold-Down for Curl Control in Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in effectively preventing media edge curl, particularly in scanning inkjet printers with endless transport belts, where the edge of the print medium can curl away from the support surface due to insufficient holding force, leading to potential damage to the print medium and printheads.
Innovation Solution
A media edge curl preventer with a hold-down body and curvature adjuster that adjusts the hold-down force by altering its curvature, ensuring secure engagement of the print medium edges, using suction or vacuum devices for support and allowing for adjustable hold-down force based on media type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hold-down force is used in the media edge curl preventer, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different print media types
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-down body is designed with adjustable curvature through the curvature adjuster mechanism, transforming it from a static fixed-force structure to a dynamic adjustable-force structure. This allows the hold-down body to adapt its curvature and corresponding hold-down force to match different print media types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the curvature parameter of the hold-down body to adjust the hold-down force. By modifying this geometric parameter through the curvature adjuster, the system can accommodate various print media without requiring complex multi-component structures, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining relative simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed curvature hold-down body is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot provide customized hold-down force for different media
Solution Approach 1:
The curvature adjuster introduces dynamic adjustability to the hold-down body's curvature. This mechanical adjustment mechanism allows operators to customize the hold-down force by changing the curvature, providing versatility for different media types while adding only moderate structural complexity through the adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature adjuster enables the system to self-adjust its hold-down force characteristics without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The mechanical adjustment allows the device to adapt to different media requirements through simple user actions, achieving customization with minimal added complexity.
3Reliability
If insufficient hold-down force is applied, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but media edge curl occurs causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable curvature mechanism allows the hold-down body to provide sufficient hold-down force when needed, preventing media edge curl. The dynamic adjustment capability ensures that the force can be increased for vulnerable media types, improving reliability without requiring an overly complex fixed high-force mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the curvature parameter of the hold-down body, the system can increase the hold-down force to prevent media edge curl. This parameter adjustment provides a simple and effective way to enhance reliability for media prone to curling, avoiding the need for complex multi-component force application mechanisms.
4Reliability
If high hold-down force is applied to prevent curl, then media edge curl is prevented, but weaker print media may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable curvature mechanism allows the hold-down force to be dynamically reduced for weaker media types. This prevents excessive force from damaging fragile media while still providing sufficient force to prevent curling for stronger media, thus protecting media integrity across different types.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the curvature parameter, the system can modulate the hold-down force to match the strength characteristics of different media. This parameter change enables the application of appropriate force levels that prevent curling without exceeding the structural limits of weaker media, preserving media integrity.
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 edge curl by providing a customizable hold-down force suitable for various print media, ensuring smooth transport and reducing the risk of damage to both print media and printheads.
Implementation Method 1
a hold-down body configured to hold down an edge of the print medium extending in a longitudinal direction and positionable, so that the hold-down body curves towards the medium support surface
Implementation Method 2
The holding means may include 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
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 includes a media edge curl preventer having a hold-down body positionable so that the hold-down body curves towards the medium support surface. The printer also includes a curvature adjuster configured to adjust a curvature of the hold-down body, thereby adjusting a hold down force the hold-down body exerts towards the medium support surface.