Rotating Thermal Head for Double-Sided Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses that print on both sides of a recording medium are either expensive to produce or require complex mechanisms, such as inverting the medium or moving two recording heads, which can lead to mechanical issues and jamming.
Innovation Solution
A thermal image forming apparatus with a single recording head that rotates around a support member to alternately face both sides of the medium, using a rotation guide and support brackets to guide the medium through a simple conveying path, allowing for double-sided printing without inverting the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two recording heads are provided to print on both sides of the recording medium, then double-sided printing capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically reposition between the first and second sides of the recording medium. The support bracket enables the recording head to rotate and face different sides sequentially, achieving double-sided printing with a single recording head instead of requiring two fixed recording heads
Solution Approach 2:
A single recording head is designed to serve multiple functions by printing on both the first side and second side of the recording medium. The recording head alternates between facing the first side and facing the second side, making one component perform the work of what would traditionally require two separate recording heads
2Adaptability or versatility
If the recording head is moved to face both sides of the recording medium, then double-sided printing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket provides a simple rotational mechanism that allows the recording head to dynamically reposition between two positions. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through a straightforward rotation motion around a shaft, avoiding complex multi-axis movements or complicated mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is divided into discrete segments: the support bracket with locking grooves, the shaft for rotation, and the recording head. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (rotation, positioning, printing) independently, simplifying the overall mechanical design and making it easier to manufacture and maintain
3Adaptability or versatility
If the recording medium is inverted to achieve double-sided printing, then printing on both sides is possible, but jamming probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inverting the recording medium, the recording head dynamically repositions to face different sides. The conveying part maintains a consistent conveying direction throughout the process, while the recording head rotates on its support bracket to print on the first side, then rotates to print on the second side, eliminating the need to flip or invert the medium
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed conveying system and the recording head. It absorbs the complexity of repositioning by providing a simple rotational joint with locking grooves, allowing the recording head to alternate positions without affecting the stable, unidirectional conveying path of the recording medium
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 enables efficient double-sided printing with reduced mechanical complexity, low jamming probability, and a compact design, as the recording medium reciprocates through a straightforward path, maintaining stable guidance to the printing nip even when the nip position changes.
Implementation Method 1
a recording head, facing the support member, to form an image by heating the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal image forming apparatus to form an image on a recording medium having first and second sides, the apparatus including a recording head to form the image by heating the recording medium, wherein the recording head rotates between first and second locations to respectively face the first and second sides of the recording medium; and a rotation guide to rotate along with the recording head to guide the recording medium to the recording head.