Roller Nip Pressure Control for Sheet Conveyance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in applying appropriate tension to print sheets to prevent slack, wrinkles, and variations in conveyance speed, particularly when using long webs or cut sheets.
Innovation Solution
A conveying apparatus with a first and second roller that can adjust nip pressure by changing the inter-axial distance and biasing force, controlled by a controller to ensure proper tension is applied to the print sheet, preventing roller slipping and maintaining consistent conveyance speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed inter-axial distance is used between rollers, then the structure is simple, but appropriate tension cannot be applied to different sheet types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the inter-axial distance between rollers through a movable support structure. The support for the second roller can be positioned at multiple locations along the conveyance direction, allowing the system to adapt to different sheet types (web vs. cut sheets) and conveyance requirements. This dynamic configuration enables appropriate tension application while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If nip pressure is fixed, then the device is simple, but roller slipping occurs with different sheet types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable support structure that allows dynamic adjustment of the second roller's position and the inter-axial distance. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt nip pressure to different sheet types through gravitational and elastic force adjustments, preventing roller slipping without requiring a complex active control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (inter-axial distance, roller position) to achieve appropriate nip pressure for different sheet types. By adjusting the distance between rollers and the position of the movable support, the system modifies the elastic deformation and contact pressure naturally, adapting to various sheet weights and types without complex electronic control.
3Manufacturing precision
If conveyance speed varies, then the system is flexible, but print quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support structure enables dynamic adjustment of conveyance parameters to maintain consistent speed across different sheet types. By adjusting the inter-axial distance and roller positions, the system optimizes the conveyance mechanics to prevent speed variations that would compromise print quality, while still maintaining flexibility for different operating conditions.
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 apparatus effectively applies appropriate tension to print sheets, preventing slipping and ensuring consistent conveyance speed, even when switching between different types or sizes of sheets, thereby maintaining print quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first roller and a second roller configured to convey a print sheet while nipping the print sheet at a nip pressure
Implementation Method 2
it is important to apply appropriate tension to the web to prevent generation slack and wrinkles in the web
Implementation Method 3
an adjustor supporting the first roller and the second roller in a manner capable of adjusting an inter-axial distance between the first roller and the second roller, the adjustor being configured to apply a biasing force biasing the second roller toward the first roller
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying apparatus includes: a first roller and a second roller configured to convey a print sheet while nipping the print sheet at a nip pressure; an adjustor supporting the first roller and the second roller in a manner capable of adjusting an inter-axial distance between the first roller and the second roller, the adjustor being configured to apply a biasing force biasing the second roller toward the first roller and capable of adjusting the biasing force; and a controller configured to control the nip pressure by driving the adjustor to adjust the biasing force.