Multi-translative Roll Assembly Compact Media Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-translative roll assemblies require significant media path length to align and advance objects in both perpendicular directions, limiting the efficiency of imaging devices and other applications where compact movement is desired.
Innovation Solution
A multi-translative roll assembly with a rotatable input shaft, carrier frame, and multiple rolls that can rotate independently to facilitate movement in either direction, utilizing gears and friction surfaces for precise alignment and contact with objects or surfaces, allowing for compact design and versatile directional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional edge-referenced alignment system is used with driven roll and skew roll, then media can be aligned toward reference edge, but media path length increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented between the carrier frame (providing reference edge alignment) and the rolls (providing media advancement). This segmentation allows the rolls to be positioned closer together while maintaining alignment capability, reducing the overall media path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier frame is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the media path, introducing a new dimensional degree of freedom. This allows alignment to occur in a direction perpendicular to the traditional skew roll approach, enabling shorter media path while achieving the same alignment effect.
2Productivity
If media path length is shortened to increase output speed, then productivity improves, but space for media migration toward reference edge is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier frame is made rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the media path, allowing dynamic adjustment of the reference edge orientation. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve alignment with minimal media migration distance, maintaining alignment precision while supporting shorter media paths for higher productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rolls are mounted on rotatable carrier frame independent of input shaft, then rolls can rotate independently for dual-directional movement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable carrier frame serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting structure for the rolls, enables independent roll rotation for dual-directional movement, and acts as the reference edge for alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated design benefits.
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
Enables efficient and precise movement of objects in multiple translative directions with reduced media path length, enhancing the performance of imaging devices and other applications by ensuring continuous contact and smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
Each roll has a gear face that engages with the gear and a contact surface with a larger diameter than the gear face to prevent contact between the gear face and the object or surface against which the roll contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A roll assembly according to one example embodiment includes a rotatable input shaft having a rotational axis. At least one gear is mounted on the input shaft that rotates with the input shaft. A carrier frame is mounted on the input shaft and rotatable independent of the input shaft about the rotational axis of the input shaft. A plurality of rolls is rotatably mounted about a periphery of the carrier frame. An axial direction of rotation of each roll is transverse to the rotational axis of the input shaft. Each roll has a contact surface and a gear face that is operatively coupled to the at least one gear.