Resilient Biasing Blanket Fastening Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The removal and installation of image transfer blankets in electrostatic printers are time-consuming and require high skill, leading to significant reductions in printing capacity due to the need for frequent replacements, especially in industrial-scale operations.

Innovation Solution

A resilient biasing arrangement and clamping mechanism are used to securely attach the image transfer blanket to the drum, allowing for easy installation and removal without glue, with a mechanism that accommodates stretching and elongation, maintaining tension and ensuring precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glue is used to attach the blanket to the mounting body, then the blanket is securely fixed, but removal and installation becomes time-consuming and requires high skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblanket fixation securityVSAvoidblanket replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket attachment system is divided into separate components: a mounting body with mounting bars and a blanket with separate end portions. The blanket can be attached by securing just the end portions to the mounting bars, rather than requiring complete adhesive bonding across the entire blanket surface. This segmentation enables quick mechanical attachment and detachment without glue removal processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (glue/adhesive) with a mechanical fastening system. Mounting bars with clamping mechanisms provide secure mechanical attachment of the blanket end portions, eliminating the need for adhesive application and removal. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces replacement time and skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the blanket is tightly fixed to maintain tension, then image transfer quality is improved, but blanket replacement and repositioning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage transfer precisionVSAvoidblanket repositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system incorporates dynamic elements that allow the blanket tension to be adjusted and maintained during operation, while still permitting easy removal when needed. The mechanical clamping mechanisms can be engaged to maintain precise tension for image transfer, then disengaged to allow blanket replacement without permanent deformation or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blanket mounting system applies tension and fixation locally at the end portions rather than across the entire blanket surface. This localized mounting maintains the necessary tension and precision where it is most needed for image transfer, while leaving the rest of the blanket flexible and easy to handle for repositioning or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If frequent blanket replacements are required in industrial operations, then printing capacity is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases due to time loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capacityVSAvoidoperational downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket is pre-configured with end portions that are specifically designed for rapid attachment to the mounting bars. This preliminary preparation of the blanket ends allows for quick connection without requiring complex alignment or preparation steps during replacement, enabling frequent changes with minimal operational downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed to accommodate disposable or short-life blankets that can be quickly replaced. The simple mechanical attachment mechanism makes it economically viable to use blankets that are replaced frequently, as the low cost and simplicity of replacement outweigh the need for long-lasting blankets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution significantly reduces the time required for blanket replacement, increases printing capacity, and allows for easier handling and repositioning of blankets, resulting in cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient biasing arrangement adapted to be connected to an end of the blanket so as to resiliently tension the blanket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spring-biased connector which is adapted to be connected to an end of the blanket so as to tension the blanket circumferentially of the blanket mounting drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7644658B2Transfer drum and blanket fastening assembly

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A blanket fastening assembly for securing an image transfer blanket to an intermediate transfer member drum of an electrostatic printer comprising a resilient biasing arrangement adapted to be connected to an end of the blanket to act in use so as to resiliently tension the blanket, with at least one end portion of the blanket being held in use by a resilient biasing clamping member which is adapted to move during the operational life of the drum so as to accommodate stretching of the blanket whilst maintaining tension in the blanket.