Printer Inversion Roller Diameter and Height Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face challenges in double-sided recording, where medium curling leads to reduced throughput and increased apparatus height due to the need for decurling mechanisms that slow down or stop medium transport, and the vertical stacking of constituent sections increases the apparatus's height.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with an inversion roller of smaller diameter than the advancing roller, positioned within the height range of the advancing roller, and idler rollers that nip and transport the medium to effectively decurl the medium, allowing for improved throughput and reduced apparatus height by positioning components more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decurling is performed by stopping or slowing down medium transport on the inversion path, then medium curling is suppressed, but throughput of recording operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the inversion roller from a large diameter to a small diameter. This parameter change creates a curved inversion path that automatically decurls the medium through geometric constraint rather than requiring speed reduction. The medium follows the curved path of the small-diameter roller, which physically forces it to unfold and eliminate curling during normal transport speed operation.
2Area of stationary object
If constituent sections are stacked vertically to save space, then horizontal footprint is reduced, but apparatus height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the inversion roller from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal integration within the existing medium transport path. Instead of adding height by stacking the inversion mechanism above other components, the small-diameter inversion roller is incorporated into the horizontal transport flow, utilizing the width dimension of the apparatus rather than extending the height dimension.
3Length of stationary object
If a small-diameter inversion roller is used to reduce apparatus height, then compactness is improved, but the ability to effectively decurl medium may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The small-diameter inversion roller applies preliminary anti-action to the medium curling problem by creating a curved path that pre-counteracts the curling tendency before the medium reaches the recording device. The curved geometry of the inversion roller proactively forces the medium to unfold and align properly during the inversion process itself, preventing curling-related issues from occurring in the first place rather than correcting them afterward.
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 decurls the medium for a shorter period, enhancing throughput in double-sided recording and reducing the apparatus's height by optimizing the placement of rollers and supply mechanisms, thereby improving operational efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
an inversion roller (20) having a circumferential surface that serves as a path surface of the inversion path T1, applies a transporting force to a medium P
Implementation Method 2
an advancing roller (21) having a circumferential surface that faces both a first path T5 that is a medium transport path before the medium P is inverted by the inversion roller (20) and a second path T2 that is a medium transport path after the medium P is inverted, applies a transporting force to the medium P
Implementation Method 3
a first inversion idler roller (22) that is disposed above the inversion roller (20) and nips and transports the medium P after the inversion along the inversion path T1 in collaboration with the inversion roller (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes an inversion path that inverts a medium, an inversion roller having a circumferential surface that serves as a path surface of the inversion path, an advancing roller having a circumferential surface that faces both a first path that is a path before the medium is inverted and a second path that is a path after the medium is inverted. The printer also includes an idler roller disposed above the inversion roller and a supply mechanism that is disposed above the idler roller and that supplies the medium toward the recording head. The inversion roller is made smaller in diameter than the advancing roller, and the inversion roller is positioned within a height range of the advancing roller, and at least part of the idler roller is positioned within the height range of the advancing roller.