Printer Medium Support Mechanism Reducing Sliding Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium supporting mechanisms in printing apparatuses face challenges with operability due to increased weight and complexity when elongating sheet holding plates to enhance printing speed, leading to usability degradation.
Innovation Solution
A medium supporting mechanism with a guide rail extending along the width direction and an abutting portion that switches between abutting and separation positions, utilizing a leaf spring to reduce sliding friction and improve operability by autonomously moving the holding portion away from the support face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sheet holding plate is elongated to increase printing speed, then productivity is improved, but weight increases causing degradation of operability
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet holding plate is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can independently move in the transport direction. This segmentation allows the movable portion to be shorter, reducing its weight and improving operability, while the fixed portion maintains the necessary length for high-speed printing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet holding plate transitions from a static, fully elongated structure to a dynamic structure where the movable portion can shift position. This dynamic capability enables the plate to adapt its effective length, maintaining lightweight operability when needed while preserving the potential for full printing coverage at high speeds.
2Productivity
If the sheet holding plate is elongated to increase printing speed, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the sheet holding plate into fixed and movable portions, the movable portion can be kept short and lightweight for easy handling and installation, while the overall structure retains the capability for high-speed printing when the movable portion is positioned appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables the movable portion to slide smoothly along the transport direction. This intermediary structure reduces friction and makes it easy to adjust the position of the movable portion without requiring excessive force, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a fixed abutting portion is used to prevent floating, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased friction during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting portion transitions from a fixed structure to a movable one that can dynamically adjust its position. During medium transport, the abutting portion moves together with the medium, maintaining reliable contact to prevent floating. During installation or adjustment, the abutting portion can slide freely along the guide rail with reduced friction, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable abutting portion automatically adjusts its position relative to the medium during transport, maintaining optimal contact pressure without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. This self-adjusting capability ensures reliable floating prevention while minimizing friction during normal operation.
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 enhances operability and usability by reducing sliding friction and wrench between the guide rail and abutting portion, allowing for smoother movement and installation of the medium holding unit, thus improving the overall medium supporting mechanism's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing portion downstream of the abutting portion in the transport direction, the pressing portion being configured to press the support face to move a position of the holding portion in a direction away from the support face
Data Source
AI summary
A medium supporting mechanism includes a medium supporting unit and a medium holding unit. The medium supporting unit includes a support face that supports a medium, a guide rail intersecting a transport direction in which the medium is transported, and an engaged portion positioned upstream of the first guide rail. The medium holding unit includes a holding portion that covers an edge of the medium in a width direction, an abutting portion movable between an abutting position and a separation position, a switching portion that switches a position of the abutting portion between the abutting position and the separation position, and an engaging portion engageable with the second guide rail. The medium holding unit includes a pressing portion downstream of the abutting portion in the transport direction. The pressing portion presses the support face to move a position of the holding portion in a direction away from the support face.