Recording Apparatus Supporting Surface Protrusion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording apparatuses face challenges in preventing wrinkles due to thermal extension in the width direction of recording media, particularly in ink jet printers, where thermal extension leads to wrinkle formation and twist, and existing solutions like negative pressure suction or angled roller mechanisms are costly or complicated to implement effectively.

Innovation Solution

A recording apparatus with a control device that protrudes the supporting surface upward at the center portion in the width direction, using gravity to counteract thermal extension, and a converting unit that adjusts the amount of protrusion based on thermal expansion, while restraining the ends to control deformation and prevent wrinkles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a heating device is provided to dry the ink ejected on a recording medium, then the ink can be dried effectively, but thermal extension occurs in the recording medium that appears at the center portion in the width direction, such that wrinkles undulated in the width direction due to twist may be generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink drying efficiencyVSAvoidwrinkles and twist due to thermal extension

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting surface is designed with an asymmetric profile where the center portion protrudes upward relative to both ends in the width direction. This asymmetric geometry creates a controlled thermal extension pattern that prevents wrinkles by allowing the center to expand upward rather than creating undulations in the width direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The amount of protrusion at the center portion is dynamically adjusted based on the heating degree. The control device changes the protrusion parameter in accordance with the amount of thermal extension, thereby adapting the supporting surface geometry to match the thermal state of the recording medium and prevent wrinkle formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the back of a recording medium is suctioned under a negative pressure to prevent wrinkles, then wrinkle prevention is achieved, but a mechanism such as a fan or suction chamber is necessary to make the negative pressure uniform, which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrinkle preventionVSAvoidsuction mechanism complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting surface structure itself provides the wrinkle prevention function through its asymmetric geometry and controlled thermal extension characteristics. The system uses the inherent thermal expansion properties of the recording medium in conjunction with the specially designed supporting surface, eliminating the need for external suction mechanisms like fans or suction chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanism to operate a transporting roller at an angle is used to prevent wrinkles, then wrinkle prevention is achieved, but the mechanism and control are complicated and it is difficult to cope with the change in size of wrinkles depending on the degree of heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrinkle preventionVSAvoidroller mechanism complexity and adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting surface is designed to be dynamically adjustable in terms of its protrusion amount. The control device can change the protrusion parameter according to the heating degree and resulting thermal extension, allowing the system to adapt to varying wrinkle risks without complex mechanical mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment is simpler than angled roller mechanisms while providing equivalent or superior wrinkle prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration automatically controls thermal extension at both ends, preventing wrinkles and twist, and effectively manages changes in wrinkle size due to varying heating degrees, ensuring smooth operation and preventing adverse effects on the recording medium.

Implementation Method 1

thermal extension occurs in the recording medium that is heated by the heating device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal extension: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

it is possible to automatically perform control (induction), using gravity such that the thermal extension appears at both width-directional ends by the inclination generated downward toward both ends from the center portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8708476B2Recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A recording medium includes: a recording head ejecting fluid onto a recording medium; a transporting device transporting the recording medium along a supporting surface; and a heating device heating the recording medium on the supporting surface, in which a control device that protrudes the supporting surface upward toward the center portion from both ends in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction which is direction the recording medium is transported, and controls the amount of protrusion at the center portion in accordance with the amount of thermal extension in the width direction of the recording medium due to heating of the heating device.