Printing Suction System for Web Undulation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing web feed devices in printers often result in fold formations in the recording medium, leading to disturbances in the print image due to uneven tension, causing unwanted contact between the print bar and the recording medium, which can damage the print head and disrupt the printing process.

Innovation Solution

A printing suction system is introduced, featuring a suction device positioned alongside the print bar to create a gap through which the recording medium passes, generating a variable suction pressure profile to smooth out undulations and prevent contact between the print bar and the medium, utilizing a fold formation determination device to adjust suction pressure based on the medium's undulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a web feed device with belt drive and loading device is used to transport the recording medium, then the transport force and tension control are improved, but fold formations occur in the region of the transfer device leading to disturbances in the print image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidprint image quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is positioned upstream of the transfer device to preemptively smooth out undulations in the recording medium before they reach the transfer region. By applying suction force in advance, the system prevents fold formations from developing, thereby maintaining print image quality while preserving transport efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device acts as an intermediary element between the web feed device and the transfer device. It introduces a new force field (suction) that mediates the interaction between the transported medium and the transfer mechanism, smoothing undulations without interfering with the primary transport function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the recording medium passes through the printing gap without additional smoothing, then the device complexity is reduced, but unwanted contact between the print bar and the recording medium occurs causing damage to the print head

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidprint head protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device performs preliminary smoothing of the recording medium before it enters the printing gap. This advance action prevents undulations from causing unwanted contact with the print bar, thereby protecting the print head without requiring complex additional smoothing mechanisms within the printing gap itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using mechanical rollers or pressure devices to smooth the recording medium, the invention employs a suction-based system. This substitution of mechanical contact with a suction field reduces device complexity while effectively preventing fold formations that could damage the print head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the suction pressure is increased to smooth out undulations more effectively, then the smoothing effect is improved, but the recording medium may be deformed or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoothing effectVSAvoidmedium deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device applies suction force locally in the region where undulations are detected, rather than applying uniform high pressure across the entire recording medium. This localized approach smooths out undulations effectively while minimizing the risk of deformation or damage to the medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device applies suction force selectively to areas with undulations rather than uniformly across the entire medium. This partial action approach achieves the necessary smoothing effect only where needed, avoiding excessive suction that could cause deformation or damage to the recording medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 suction system effectively smooths out undulations in the recording medium, preventing damage to the print head and maintaining print quality by ensuring the medium remains within a permissible tolerance range for the printing gap, reducing downtime and extending print head lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the suction device is configured to generate a suction pressure according to a suction pressure profile along the width of the print bar for suction and smoothing of the recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS10668747B2Printing suction system, printing device having a printing suction system, and printing suction method

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV

AI summary

A printing suction system for a printer can include at least one print bar with at least one print head, and at least one suction device arranged in proximity to an underside of the print bar thereby forming a gap through which a recording medium that can be printed to by the print bar can be directed. The suction device can extend along at least a portion (or the entire) width of the print bar. The section device can generate a suction pressure based on a suction pressure profile to suction and smooth the recording medium.