Sheet Separation Airflow Duct for Wet Inkjet Media Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating sheets from conveying belts in inkjet image forming apparatuses, such as curvature-separation using rollers or wind-based separation, are ineffective for low-rigidity sheets and can damage the image surface due to contact or instability, especially when the sheet is not fully dried.
Innovation Solution
An air flow generating part and duct system that creates an air flow above the sheet to separate it from the conveying belt, ensuring the sheet is not in contact with any guide members, using a fan to generate air flow through a duct that directs air parallel to the sheet's downstream movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If curvature-separation using a large-diameter roller is used, then separation force is improved, but separation effectiveness for low-rigidity sheets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller-based curvature separation system with a pneumatic air flow generation system. The air flow generator creates an air current that lifts the sheet from the conveying belt, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and curvature-based separation. This substitution enables effective separation of low-rigidity sheets without requiring large separation forces that would be impossible to achieve with rollers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using an air flow generator to produce a controlled air current that acts on the sheet. The air flow applies upward force to separate the sheet from the conveying belt, providing a contactless separation mechanism that is particularly effective for low-rigidity sheets that cannot be separated by traditional mechanical means.
2Reliability
If a separating claw is used, then separation capability is improved, but the claw tip may be caught in through-holes of the conveying belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical separating claw system with a pneumatic air flow generation system. By using air flow to lift and separate the sheet, the system eliminates the separating claw entirely, thus preventing the issue of claw tips being caught in the through-holes of the conveying belt. The air flow provides a contactless separation mechanism that navigates around the through-hole structure.
3Force
If wind-based separation by attracting the sheet is used, then separation force is improved, but contact with the image formed surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a controlled pneumatic air flow system that generates an upward current to lift the sheet for separation. The air flow is directed to act on the back surface or edges of the sheet rather than the image-formed surface, providing the necessary separation force while preventing contact with and potential damage to the printed image.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow acts as an intermediary medium between the separation mechanism and the sheet. Instead of direct mechanical contact between a separating member and the sheet's image surface, the air flow transmits the separation force through the air medium, eliminating harmful contact while maintaining effective separation capability.
4Reliability
If wind-based separation by applying wind from downstream to upstream is used, then separation capability is improved, but sheet behavior becomes unstable and image surface may contact guide members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a controlled air flow generation system that produces a stable, directed air current for sheet separation. The air flow is generated in a controlled manner with consistent velocity and direction, providing stable separation capability without causing erratic sheet behavior. The system maintains sheet stability during the separation process, preventing contact with guide members and ensuring predictable sheet movement.
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
Effectively separates sheets from the conveying belt without contacting the image surface, maintaining print quality by using air flow to lift and guide the sheet away, suitable for sheets that are not fully dried.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow generating part for generating an air flow; and a duct for blowing the air flow generated by the air flow generation part, from a position above the sheet to a downstream side in the conveying direction at the separation position
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a conveying member which conveys a sheet along a conveying direction; and a separation device which separates the sheet from the conveying member at a separation position. The separation device includes an air flow generating part and a duct. The air flow generating part generate an air flow. The duct which blows the air flow generated by the air flow generation part, from a position above the sheet to a downstream side in the conveying direction at the separation position.