Post-Processing Surface Rubbing With Suction Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with paper wrinkles and gloss unevenness due to the rubbing of surfaces containing wax, particularly when using low-rigidity media or transparent media, and conventional methods may cause paper jams or damage.

Innovation Solution

A post-processing apparatus with a support unit and a rubbing unit that fixes the medium on a support surface and rubs it with a plate-like blade or rotating roller, smoothing wax aggregates while minimizing paper contact and using suction for fixation, thereby reducing wrinkles and gloss unevenness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the surface of the medium being transported is rubbed by a rubbing means, then wax aggregates are removed and image quality is improved, but wrinkles occur in the medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidwrinkles in medium

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The medium is fixed to the support unit before the rubbing operation begins. This preliminary fixation prevents the medium from moving or shifting during rubbing, thereby eliminating wrinkles while allowing effective removal of wax aggregates to improve image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A support unit acts as an intermediary between the rubbing means and the medium. The rubbing means rubs the support unit surface rather than directly rubbing the medium, which provides a stable backing that prevents wrinkles while still allowing wax removal through the medium

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If conventional rubbing methods are used on low-rigidity or transparent media, then wax removal is achieved, but paper jams or damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewax removalVSAvoidpaper jams or damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit serves as a mediator that provides structural support to low-rigidity media during rubbing. This prevents the media from bending or jamming while still allowing the rubbing means to effectively remove wax aggregates from the media surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support unit provides beforehand cushioning and support to the medium before the rubbing process begins. This pre-support prevents damage to fragile or transparent media during the rubbing operation while maintaining effective wax removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution effectively suppresses paper wrinkles and gloss unevenness by automating the rubbing process, ensuring smooth operation and reducing component costs, while maintaining image quality on both sides of the medium.

Implementation Method 1

a support unit that fixes and supports a medium on which an image of a developer containing wax is fixed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20250298360A1Post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A post-processing apparatus includes a support unit that fixes and supports a medium on which an image of a developer containing wax is fixed, and a rubbing unit that rubs a surface of the medium supported by the support unit while being in contact with the surface of the medium and moving along the surface of the medium.