Printer Sliding Transfer Plane Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-format printers face challenges in maintaining the flatness and orientation of the sliding transfer apparatus, particularly due to the deformation caused by the vacuum system and the need for increased width, which complicates installation, alignment, and maintenance, and results in inefficient adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
The printer incorporates side and central adjusting assemblies with screws and wedges that allow for translation and rotation movements to align the stationary support plane with the print plane, compensating for misalignments and deformations, and a vacuum system with an openwork wall to maintain substrate adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the width of the printer is increased to enhance versatility, then the printing area width is improved, but the flatness and orientation of the sliding transfer apparatus deteriorate due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable supporting means that allow dynamic adjustment of the stationary support plane's position and orientation. This enables the system to adapt to deformation caused by increased width while maintaining flatness and orientation requirements during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjusting means that modify positional parameters of the stationary support plane relative to the conveyor belt. By changing these parameters (position, orientation, flatness), the system compensates for deformation induced by increased printing area width.
2Area of moving object
If the width of the printer is increased, then the printing area width is improved, but the complexity of installation, alignment, and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable supporting means provide dynamic adjustment capabilities that simplify installation and alignment procedures. Operators can easily adjust the stationary support plane to compensate for misalignments without complex procedures, reducing overall system complexity despite increased width.
3Reliability
If a vacuum system is used to retain substrate, then substrate adherence is improved, but deformation of the transfer apparatus occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable supporting means that dynamically compensate for vacuum-induced deformation. The stationary support plane can be adjusted to maintain proper flatness and orientation even when the vacuum system creates deformation in the transfer apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary support plane acts as an intermediary element between the vacuum system and the conveyor belt. It provides a stable reference surface that mediates the effects of vacuum-induced deformation, ensuring consistent substrate adherence while maintaining transfer apparatus flatness.
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
This solution enables efficient and simple adjustment of the transfer apparatus for optimal flatness and orientation, improving print quality and reducing maintenance complexity while allowing for easy removal and reassembly of components.
Implementation Method 1
Another known solution for the retaining means, although not very common, is to provide a vacuum system. This system is suitable for keeping the substrate stationary with respect to the transfer apparatus during the advancement and printing phases.
Implementation Method 2
The printer incorporates side and central adjusting assemblies with screws and wedges that allow for translation and rotation movements to align the stationary support plane with the print plane
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ink-jet printer comprising: a support structure (2) comprising two side walls (21, 22); a transfer apparatus (3) slidable for advancing the substrate in a direction x, the transfer apparatus comprising a conveyor belt (30) and a stationary support plane (31); a print device (4) comprising a print head (41) operating along a direction y, perpendicular to the direction x; retaining means (5) for maintaining the substrate adhering to the conveyor belt; and adjusting means (6) of the transfer apparatus. The support plane includes two side ends (311, 312) which rest on the side walls (21, 22). The adjusting means of the transfer apparatus comprise at least one side adjusting assembly (61) positioned between a side wall (21) and the respective side end (311) of the support plane (31).