Printer Cutter Assembly Asymmetric Blade Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting devices in large format printers risk scratching or smearing printed media, especially during full-bleed printing, due to contact with the printed side during cutting.
Innovation Solution
A cutter assembly with a first rotary cutting blade positioned upstream on the printed side and a second rotary cutting blade positioned opposite, arranged to cut between them, with both blades tilted in opposite directions to minimize contact with the printed side and reduce ink smearing and scratches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cutting blades are positioned to cut through the media, then cutting function is achieved, but contact with the printed side causes scratches and ink smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first cutting blade upstream of the second cutting blade in the media advance direction, creating a spatial separation along the media flow path. This dimensional arrangement ensures that the printed side of the media passes between the two blades without contacting either blade, as the first blade cuts from above and the second blade cuts from below at a slightly different position along the advance direction.
2Productivity
If blades are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the media, then cutting efficiency is improved, but risk of contact with printed side increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the first cutting blade is arranged upstream of the second cutting blade in the media advance direction. Additionally, the blades are tilted at different angles relative to the media plane, with the first blade having a different tilt angle than the second blade. This asymmetric arrangement maintains cutting efficiency while preventing contact with the printed side.
3Manufacturing precision
If cutting is performed in full-bleed printing region, then complete coverage is achieved, but any blade contact causes ink smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The first cutting blade is positioned upstream of the second cutting blade in the media advance direction. This preliminary positioning ensures that the first blade initiates the cutting action before the media reaches the second blade, creating a controlled separation path that prevents the printed side from contacting either blade during the cutting process, even in full-bleed printing scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutter assembly for cutting printed media in a printer comprises a housing arranged for displacement across a media path, in a cutting direction at right angles to a media advance direction in the printer, a first rotary cutting blade carried on said housing such as to be positioned generally on the printed side of the media, and a second rotary cutting blade carried on said housing such as to be positioned generally on the side of the media opposite the printed side, the cutting blades being engageable with each other such as to cut the media between them, and the first rotary cutting blade being arranged upstream of the second rotary cutting blade in the media advance direction.