Printing Apparatus Suction Support for Wrinkle Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges with complex tension applying mechanisms that increase apparatus size, hinder user workability, and create obstacles during medium setting or removal tasks, while also requiring increased frame rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus utilizing a transport unit, printing unit, support portion, and suction force applying unit to apply suction force to the printing medium, generating surface pressure and reducing wrinkling without a complex configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a tension applying mechanism is provided to apply tension to the printing medium, then wrinkling of the printing medium is suppressed, but the mechanism becomes complex and increases apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tension applying function from a complex mechanical mechanism and implements it through a simple suction force applying unit. The suction unit applies suction force to the printing medium at a specific position, generating surface pressure that suppresses wrinkling without requiring complex mechanical tensioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical tension applying system with a pneumatic system that uses suction force. Instead of mechanical rollers or levers to apply tension, a suction unit creates negative pressure to generate surface pressure on the printing medium, simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tension applying mechanism is provided to apply tension to the printing medium, then wrinkling of the printing medium is suppressed, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of tension application and implements it through a compact suction force applying unit. This unit occupies minimal space while effectively suppressing wrinkling by applying suction force at a strategic position in the transport path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles through the suction force applying unit to achieve tensioning effects. The suction unit creates negative pressure that generates surface pressure on the printing medium, replacing bulky mechanical tensioning components with a compact pneumatic system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an intermediate roller is provided in the transport path, then tension can be applied to the printing medium, but the roller becomes an obstacle during setting and removal tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the intermediate roller from the transport path while preserving the tension applying function. The suction force applying unit is positioned at a location that does not obstruct user access for setting and removal tasks, eliminating the obstacle problem while maintaining wrinkling suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force applying unit acts as an intermediary that applies suction force to the printing medium without requiring physical contact through rollers. This allows tension application without creating mechanical obstacles in the transport path, improving ease of operation during maintenance tasks.
4Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is provided to move the intermediate roller, then the roller can be moved away during setting and removal tasks, but the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the intermediate roller and its associated release mechanism entirely, replacing both with a fixed suction force applying unit. This eliminates the need for any release mechanism while maintaining accessibility during setting and removal tasks, as the suction unit does not obstruct the transport path.
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 suppresses wrinkling and floating of the printing medium by applying suction force, enhancing user workability and reducing apparatus size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The suction force applying unit is configured to apply, to the printing medium transported along the support face, a suction force attracting the printing medium to the support face, thereby generating a surface pressure based on the suction force between the printing medium and the support face
Data Source
AI summary
The printing apparatus includes a transport unit, a printing unit, a support portion, and a suction force applying unit. The transport unit is configured to apply a transport force to the printing medium and transport the printing medium. The printing unit is configured to perform printing on the printing medium transported. The support portion includes a support face configured to support the printing medium at a position upstream of the transport unit in a transport direction in which the transport unit transports the printing medium. The suction force applying unit is configured to apply, to the printing medium transported along the support face, a suction force attracting the printing medium to the support face, thereby generating a surface pressure based on the suction force between the printing medium and the support face.