Pivotable Idler Roller Mechanism for Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transport apparatus experiences high friction between the idler roller and the driving roller when the idler roller returns to its initial position, making it difficult for the idler roller to return to its first position effectively, which can lead to damage to the recording paper.
Innovation Solution
The transport apparatus includes a guide surface and rollers with a pivotable roller support member that changes its angle from an acute position to a right angle as the medium is transported, allowing the idler roller to move from the second position to the first position while rotating, reducing friction and facilitating its return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the idler roller returns to the first position while making contact with the driving roller in the conventional apparatus, then the idler roller can be returned to its initial position, but the friction between the rollers becomes extremely large making it difficult for the idler roller to return
Solution Approach 1:
The roller support member is made pivotable about a support shaft, allowing the idler roller to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic configuration enables the idler roller to return to the first position while rotating, changing the relative motion from sliding friction to rolling friction, thereby reducing friction force and ensuring reliable return motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion parameter of the idler roller from pure translation to rotation combined with translation. By allowing the roller to rotate during its return journey, the contact mode with the driving roller changes, reducing friction and enabling successful return to the first position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the holding member is pivoted to move the idler roller from the first position to the second position against the urging force of the torsion spring, then the force to extrude the recording paper is mitigated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed to be pivotable about a coupling rod, creating a dynamic mechanism that automatically adjusts the idler roller position. This pivotable structure, combined with the torsion spring, forms a simple yet effective mechanism that reduces complexity compared to more elaborate positioning systems while still achieving the goal of preventing paper damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring provides automatic urging force to return the idler roller to the first position after the recording paper passes. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or control systems, reducing device complexity while ensuring the idler roller returns to its initial position to prevent paper damage.
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
This configuration decreases friction between the rollers, enabling the idler roller to move easily back to its first position, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the recording paper and improving the transport process.
Implementation Method 1
the friction is extremely large between the both rollers, and it is feared that the idler roller is not returned to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A transport apparatus includes: a guide surface which extends in a transport direction for transporting a medium and which is configured to guide the medium to be transported; a first roller which is a driving roller for transporting the medium; a second roller which is a driven roller arranged to face the first roller; and a roller support member which rotatably supports the second roller and which is configured to be pivotable about a support shaft perpendicular to an axis of a rotational shaft of the second roller between a first position and a second position.