Printer Media Advance System X-Axis Registration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media position errors in the X direction during printing can cause print image quality issues, particularly for longer print media, due to factors like misalignment, differential vacuum belt speeds, and non-symmetric friction forces, leading to rotational movements and position errors that affect the accuracy of ink dot placement.
Innovation Solution
A media advance system that generates a bubble or curvature in the print medium using a combination of feed rollers, pinch wheels, and vacuum belts, with adjustable vacuum levels and baffle mechanisms to maintain media flatness and control traction forces, allowing for continuous printing and cutting without stopping, and reducing X-axis registration errors by varying the vacuum level based on the print medium's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the print medium is transported continuously through the print zone, then productivity is improved, but media position errors in the X direction increase causing print image quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum level is dynamically adjusted based on the position of the print medium. A first vacuum level is applied when the leading edge enters the print zone, then a second lower vacuum level is applied when the print medium fully covers the print zone, and a third vacuum level is applied when the trailing edge leaves. This dynamic adjustment balances media transport stability with position accuracy throughout the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a first vacuum level before the print medium fully enters the print zone to ensure proper positioning and flatness at the leading edge. This preliminary action prevents position errors from developing during subsequent transport, enabling continuous printing without compromising image quality.
2Speed
If vacuum belts apply high traction force to transport the media, then media transport speed is improved, but X-axis registration errors increase due to non-symmetric friction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum level parameter is changed at different stages of media transport. By reducing the vacuum level from the first level to the second level when the print medium fully covers the print zone, the system maintains sufficient transport speed while reducing non-symmetric friction forces that cause rotational movements and registration errors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the vacuum level is increased to prevent media wrinkles and maintain flatness, then media stability is improved, but X-axis position errors increase due to excessive traction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum levels to provide high traction force only when needed for maintaining flatness and preventing wrinkles (first vacuum level), then reduces to a lower level (second vacuum level) when the print medium is properly positioned, thereby eliminating excessive traction forces that would cause position errors while maintaining media stability throughout the process.
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 system achieves stable media positioning and reduced X-axis registration errors, even for long print media, minimizing image position errors and preventing wrinkles, by dynamically adjusting vacuum forces to balance tension and traction forces, ensuring accurate ink placement and smooth media transport.
Implementation Method 1
a first normal force when the print medium is at a first position of the media advance system and applying a second normal force when the print medium is at a second position of the media advance system
Implementation Method 2
The media advance system 10 generates a bubble or curvature in the print medium while being transported
Data Source
AI summary
A method of feeding a print medium comprises receiving a print medium by a media advance system; transporting the print medium by the media advance system to a print zone wherein the transporting comprises applying a first normal force when the print medium is at a first position of the media advance system and applying a second normal force when the print medium is at a second position of the media advance system, wherein the second normal force is different from the first normal force.