Printer Feeding Mechanism with Variable Width Pressure Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print media feeding mechanisms for inkjet printers face challenges in stabilizing the distance between print media and ink heads, leading to cocklings and image quality degradation due to moisture absorption and uneven suction forces, which are not effectively addressed by current air suction or press roller methods.
Innovation Solution
A feeding apparatus with a pressure roller system comprising unit rollers aligned perpendicular to the feeding direction, where the center roller is wider than others, and a platen belt with suction holes, allowing concurrent pressing and suctioning to smooth out wrinkles and cocklings, with varying suction forces applied to prevent excessive loads and ensure even flattening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If air suction is applied through holes on the belt to flatten print media, then cocklings are reduced, but suction forces apply locally causing positional disparity and airflow pulsation
Solution Approach 1:
A platen plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the suction fan and the print media. The platen plate distributes the suction forces uniformly across the entire surface of the print media, preventing local concentration of forces and eliminating positional disparity and airflow pulsation while maintaining effective flattening.
2Stability of the object's composition
If press rollers are used to flatten print media, then uplifts and wet cocklings are prevented, but smoothing cannot be done effectively due to suctioning through suction holes
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure roller and air suction system are merged into a single integrated unit. The pressure roller is positioned in direct contact with the print media surface while suction holes are simultaneously active, allowing the pressing action to smooth wrinkles effectively without the suction force interfering with the smoothing operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple rollers are provided at intervals with a porosity endless belt, then print media can be flattened, but the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-roller and endless belt structure is replaced by extracting the essential function to a single platen plate with suction holes. This simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the flattening capability, as the platen plate alone can distribute suction forces uniformly across the print media surface.
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 restricts cocklings and smooths out wrinkles across the entire print media surface, ensuring stable suction forces and preventing rumplings, thereby maintaining image quality by balancing pressing and suction forces along the feeding path.
Implementation Method 1
air is suctioned through holes formed on the belt due to negative pressure under the belt in order to flatten the print media on the belt
Implementation Method 2
a pressure roller that is provided at an upstream side of the image forming section in a feeding direction of the print media and rotates with being pressed onto an upper surface of the feeding path
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding apparatus for print media comprises a pressure roller that is provided at an upstream side of an image forming section in a feeding direction of the print media and rotates with being pressed onto an upper surface of a feeding path. The pressure roller includes a plurality of unit rollers aligned along a primary sweeping direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. A center unit roller of the unit rollers is made wider than other unit rollers in the primary sweeping direction. According to the apparatus, cocklings on print media can be removed at desired portions with a simple configuration by controlling suction forces due to varying relative positions to suction ports. Therefore, flatten state of print media in the image forming section can be easily ensured.