Printer Suction Hole Control via Visual Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printers require users to manually check and adjust suction holes to achieve desired suction modes, leading to increased user workload and potential inefficiencies in fixing printing media.

Innovation Solution

A control device that displays the positions of suction holes, allows users to select which holes to use for suction, and controls the suction operation through those selected holes, reducing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually check and adjust suction holes to achieve desired suction modes, then suction control precision is improved, but user workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction control precisionVSAvoiduser workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the printing medium position and controls the suction holes without requiring manual user intervention. The control device autonomously determines which suction holes to activate based on the detected medium position, eliminating the need for users to manually check and adjust each suction hole while maintaining precise suction control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated detection and control system. Instead of users physically checking and blocking suction holes, the system uses automated detection of the printing medium position and electronically controls the suction holes, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated sensing and actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If suction is performed from all suction holes, then fixing force is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing forceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates only the suction holes that are locally required based on the detected printing medium position, rather than uniformly activating all suction holes. This localized activation provides sufficient fixing force where needed while avoiding energy waste in areas where the medium is not present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing suction from all suction holes (excessive action), the system performs suction only from the necessary subset of holes (partial action) that correspond to the detected printing medium position. This partial action achieves the required fixing force while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If suction holes are blocked manually, then suction mode control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction mode controlVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical blocking of suction holes with automated electronic control. The control device detects the printing medium position and electronically activates or deactivates suction holes programmatically, eliminating the need for physical blocking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device serves as an intermediary between the printing medium detection and the suction hole actuation. Instead of direct manual intervention or complex mechanical blocking systems, the control device mediates the process by receiving detection signals and automatically controlling the suction holes, simplifying the overall system architecture.

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 reduces user workload by allowing for intuitive selection and control of suction holes, improving the efficiency of suction operations and enhancing user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

fix a printing medium during printing by sucking air from suction holes provided in a disposition unit on which the printing medium is disposed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12291048B2Control device, control method, and system

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A control device for controlling an image processing apparatus including a disposition unit on which a printing medium is disposed and which has a plurality of suction holes for sucking the printing medium includes a display controller that displays, on a display, a display screen which is a screen showing the positions of the plurality of suction holes in the disposition unit, a selection receiver that receives selection of suction holes from the plurality of suction holes whose positions are displayed on the display screen, and an execution controller that performs control such that a suction operation is executed through at least some of the selected suction holes.