Printer Sheet Tension Control via Adjustable Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers using rolled sheets face challenges in maintaining consistent tension, which affects printing quality, especially when dealing with new and heavy sheets or varying sheet types.
Innovation Solution
A printer design incorporating a sheet holder with movable side plates, a buffer unit with an elastic member to stabilize sheet tension, and an adjusting unit that varies the elastic force based on the sheet width to maintain optimal tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large tension is applied to pull out a new and heavy rolled sheet, then the sheet can be pulled out at the start of printing, but the tension variation adversely affects printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit with elastic members is installed beforehand in the sheet conveying path to cushion tension variations. The elastic members are positioned to contact the rolled sheet and absorb tension fluctuations during sheet pulling and rotation, preventing these variations from reaching the printing head and affecting print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic force of the buffer unit is adjusted according to the weight and dimensions of the rolled sheet. By changing the elastic force parameter to match different sheet types, the system optimizes tension control for each specific case, ensuring both adequate pulling force and minimal tension variation during printing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the elastic force of the buffer unit is increased to stabilize tension, then tension variation is reduced, but the buffer unit may not adapt to different sheet types with varying weights and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit incorporates adjustable elastic members that can dynamically adapt to different sheet types. The elastic force can be modified based on the weight, width, and other dimensions of the rolled sheet, allowing the same buffer unit to optimize tension control for various sheet configurations rather than using a fixed elastic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of the elastic force parameter according to the specific characteristics of different sheet types. By changing the elastic force to match the weight and dimensions of each sheet type, the buffer unit achieves both tension stability and adaptability across various rolled sheets.
3Device complexity
If a fixed buffer unit structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot effectively suppress tension variation for various types of rolled sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit employs movable side plates that can adjust their positions to accommodate different sheet widths, and elastic members with adjustable elastic forces. This dynamic adjustability allows the relatively simple buffer unit structure to effectively adapt to various rolled sheet types and suppress tension variations without requiring a completely complex system.
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 stabilizes sheet tension across different sheet widths and weights, enhancing printing quality by minimizing tension fluctuations and preventing printing jams.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer unit between the sheet holder and the printing head and including a plate-shaped member that is connected to an elastic member that generates an elastic force by which the conveyed sheet is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
A printer for printing an image on a sheet stored in a rolled shape, includes a sheet holder by which the sheet in the rolled shape is rotatably held and including at least one side plate movable in a width direction of the sheet and contacting a side surface of the sheet, a printing head by which an image is printed on the sheet that has been conveyed from the sheet holder, a buffer unit between the sheet holder and the printing head and including a plate-shaped member that is connected to an elastic member that generates an elastic force by which the conveyed sheet is pressed, and an adjusting unit by which the movable side plate and the buffer unit is connected such that the elastic force varies depending on a location of the side plate.