Printer Web Media Vacuum Loading for Slip-Based De-Wrinkling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual alignment and de-wrinkling of print media on a transport belt in printers is inefficient and requires operator intervention, leading to potential misalignment and media waste.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlled application of negative pressures on a suction chamber assembly to secure and align a print medium on a transport belt, utilizing a slipping motion to flatten and align the leading edge, followed by secure attachment to an output roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and de-wrinkling operations are performed, then the print medium can be positioned on the transport belt, but the process requires operator intervention and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment and self-de-wrinkling by utilizing the interaction between the moving transport belt and the print medium. The leading portion is automatically aligned and flattened without requiring external manual intervention, as the belt's motion naturally drives wrinkles toward the leading edge and orients the medium correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport belt is moved before the print medium is fully secured to the belt, performing preliminary alignment and de-wrinkling actions. This preliminary motion prepares the leading portion for subsequent secure attachment, ensuring proper orientation and flatness before final fixation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the print medium is securely held in place during belt movement, then alignment is maintained, but wrinkles cannot be driven out of the leading portion
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static holding state to a dynamic slipping state during the de-wrinkling phase. The print medium is intentionally allowed to slip relative to the moving belt, creating relative motion that drives wrinkles toward the leading edge. This dynamic approach temporarily sacrifices precise positioning to eliminate wrinkles, after which alignment is restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative slipping motion between the belt and print medium, which could be considered a harmful lack of control, is actually utilized beneficially to drive wrinkles out of the leading portion. The uncontrolled slip becomes a controlled mechanism for wrinkle removal, converting a potential defect into a useful de-wrinkling action.
3Reliability
If a sufficiently large negative pressure is applied to hold the print medium against the belt, then the medium can be transported, but the belt cannot slip to de-wrinkle the leading portion
Solution Approach 1:
The negative pressure application is divided into periodic phases: a first phase with lower negative pressure magnitude that allows slipping for de-wrinkling, followed by a second phase with higher negative pressure magnitude that prevents slipping for reliable transport. This periodic variation in pressure magnitude enables both de-wrinkling and reliable transport functions sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of negative pressure magnitude between two distinct operating states. By adjusting the pressure from a first magnitude (allowing slip) to a second, larger magnitude (preventing slip), the system transitions between de-wrinkling mode and reliable transport mode, optimizing performance for each function.
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
Automated alignment and de-wrinkling of print media on a transport belt, reducing manual intervention and ensuring reliable, wrinkle-free printing without media waste.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first negative pressure to the suction chamber assembly, while a leading portion of the print medium is positioned on the transport belt to draw the leading portion towards the transport belt
Implementation Method 2
By applying a sufficiently large, negative pressure to the suction chamber assembly, the print medium may be held against the belt, so that it can be transported by moving the belt
Implementation Method 3
the belt slips or slides past the leading portion of the print medium... The first negative pressure draws the leading portion against the belt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
An efficient method of loading and aligning a print medium from an input roller onto a transport belt of a printer is provided. The method comprises the steps of: - positioning at least a leading portion of the print medium (16) on the belt (4) over a suction chamber assembly (5) extending along the belt (4); - applying a first negative pressure to the suction chamber assembly (5) to draw the print medium (16) towards the belt (4); - securing an upstream portion of the print medium (16), while the first negative pressure is being applied and the belt (4) is moved with respect to the leading portion of the print medium (16).