Printing Apparatus Transport Path Adjustment Using Imaging Jig
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses face variations in adjusting the transporting path length due to manual visual adjustments, leading to inconsistencies in positional accuracy and potential deformation over time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a strip-shaped jig with a measurement pattern, attached to the winding shaft, is used to image and adjust the transporting path length using an imaging unit and shaft adjusting mechanism, with a notifying unit providing feedback on the adjustment results, ensuring precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual visual adjustment is used for transporting path length, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in adjustment results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual adjustment with an automated imaging system. The imaging unit captures images of the medium, and the control unit automatically calculates transporting path length based on these images, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment while ensuring consistent precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment. The imaging unit automatically images the medium, the control unit calculates the transporting path length from the imaged data, and the system automatically determines adjustment requirements, enabling the system to adjust itself without external intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated imaging and calculation system is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit serves multiple functions: it images the medium for transporting path length measurement, and can potentially be used for other measurement tasks within the printing apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If repeated imaging is performed to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from the imaged data to automatically calculate transporting path length and determine whether adjustment is needed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through intelligent processing of single or repeated images, reducing the need for excessive repeated imaging and minimizing time loss.
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 method reduces variations in adjusting the transporting path length, enhancing positional accuracy and stability by providing a systematic and accurate adjustment process, suppressing inconsistencies caused by manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit (54) configured to image, facing the medium support unit (24), an image
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a printing apparatus, which the printing apparatus includes: a platen for supporting the medium, an imaging unit, a winding shaft for winding the medium, a shaft adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the position of the winding shaft, and a notifying unit configured to perform notification, comprising: a jig installing step for attaching one end of a strip-shaped jig, on which graduations are formed, to the winding shaft, and locking the jig to the platen, along a transporting path at both ends in a width direction of the medium, an imaging step for imaging the graduations by the imaging unit at two locations different from each other, in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction of the medium on the platen, a notifying step for notifying a result based on an image imaged by the imaging unit, and an adjusting step for adjusting the shaft adjusting mechanism.