Transport Roller Nip Control to Prevent Creasing in Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation devices cause creasing and fixing failures in to-be-transported objects due to direct contact and uneven pressure application between transporters.
Innovation Solution
A transportation device with a second transporter that moves between a contact and separate position, applying differential movement speeds and loads based on object type, using elastic bodies, and maintaining synchronized rotation to minimize creasing and improve gloss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second transporter moves from the separate position to the contact position to hold the to-be-transported object, then the object is securely held for transportation, but creases may form in the object
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation unit transports the to-be-transported object to the nip area before the second transporter moves from the separate position to the contact position. This preliminary positioning ensures the object is ready for holding without requiring the second transporter to move while the object is already in place, thereby preventing creases while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The second transporter is designed to move between separate and contact positions dynamically. By controlling when the second transporter moves relative to the object's position and the rotation of the transporters, the system optimizes between secure holding (contact position) and preventing creases (separate position during approach).
2Productivity
If the first transporter and the second transporter rotate with the same peripheral velocity, then transportation efficiency is improved, but creases may still form in the to-be-transported object
Solution Approach 1:
The to-be-transported object is transported to the nip area by the transportation unit before the second transporter moves to the contact position. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and timing, allowing efficient rotation at matching peripheral velocities while preventing creases through controlled sequencing of operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second transporter is formed from an elastic body, then impact is absorbed when holding the object, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material property of the second transporter is changed to an elastic body. This parameter change allows the transporter to absorb impact when holding the to-be-transported object through elastic deformation, reducing harmful impacts while maintaining a relatively simple structural design without additional complex components.
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
Reduces creasing and fixing failures by stabilizing object position and applying balanced pressure, enhancing gloss and fixing quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first transporter and the second transporter is formed from an elastic body that is elastically deformed with a load imposed when the second transporter and the first transporter hold the to-be-transported object therebetween
Data Source
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AI summary
A transportation device includes a first transporter, a second transporter movable between a contact position and a separate position toward and away from the first transporter to hold a to-be-transported object between the second transporter and the first transporter in the contact position, and a transportation unit that transports the to-be-transported object to a nip area where the first transporter and the second transporter hold the to-be-transported object therebetween while the second transporter is located in the separate position. The second transporter moves from the separate position to the contact position to hold the to-be-transported object transported to the nip area by the transportation unit between the second transporter and the first transporter to transport the to-be-transported object.