Printer Platen Protector Sheet for Mark Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printer devices with protruding ribs on the platen can cause scratches or marks on sensitive print media as they advance through the print zone, affecting print quality and the ability to handle media with sensitive coatings.

Innovation Solution

A mark mitigating device with a protector sheet that covers the ribs of the printer platen, featuring openings for vacuum application and windows for optical media advance sensors, is mounted and fixed using a tensioning system, allowing for easy installation and removal to prevent marks on sensitive media without compromising the printer's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If ribs are added to the printer platen to support print media, then media support and wrinkle control are improved, but marks and scratches on sensitive print media occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia support stabilityVSAvoidmarks on print media

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protector sheet is introduced as an intermediary layer between the ribs and the print media. The protector sheet has a smooth surface that contacts the media while the ribs contact the protector sheet, preventing direct contact between ribs and sensitive media surfaces, thus eliminating marks while maintaining support function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protector sheet is implemented as a thin film structure that covers the ribs completely. This thin film layer is flexible enough to conform to the rib structure while providing a smooth contact surface with the print media, resolving the contradiction between support and protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a protector sheet is added to cover the ribs, then protection from marks is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from marksVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protector sheet is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced. This approach reduces the complexity of making the protector sheet permanent and removable, allowing use of simple materials that provide protection without requiring complex mounting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The protector sheet is segmented into multiple sections corresponding to different rib areas. This segmentation allows the protector to be manufactured simply and installed easily, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If the protector sheet has openings for vacuum application, then vacuum functionality is maintained, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum applicationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protector sheet has different local properties: areas with openings for vacuum application and areas without openings for structural support. This local differentiation maintains vacuum functionality where needed while preserving structural integrity elsewhere, avoiding the need for a completely complex redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the mark mitigating device is made removable for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting adhesive serves as an intermediary between the protector sheet and the platen surface. This adhesive provides reliable bonding during normal operation while allowing the protector to be removed when needed, balancing reliability with ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 prevents marks on sensitive print media by creating an additional support layer and maintaining vacuum alignment, enhancing print quality and versatility in handling various types of media while allowing for easy installation and removal based on printing needs.

Implementation Method 1

The printer platen has holes to apply a vacuum to attract print media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The mark mitigating device has a tensioning system to secure the mitigating device to the printer platen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10864756B2Mark mitigating device

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A mark mitigating device for a printing device has a protector sheet to cover ribs of a printer platen of the printer device to prevent the ribs from causing marks on print media. The mark mitigating device further has a fixing system to fixate the mark mitigating device relative to the printer platen. The protector sheet has an opening to pass through vacuum applied by the printer platen to attract print media.