Single Nip De-skew Device for Substrate Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in accurately registering substrates at high speeds without applying forces that can wrinkle, tear, or buckle lightweight media, due to the use of multiple nips along the cross-process direction for de-skewing and lateral registration.
Innovation Solution
A printer system featuring centrally positioned single nip de-skew and lateral registration devices, with a controller that uses photoelectric and CCD sensors to align substrates quickly and accurately with the print zone, reducing the need for intense forces by employing a single nip assembly that can be selectively engaged and disengaged to manage substrate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple nips are positioned along the cross-process direction to de-skew and laterally translate substrates, then substrate registration accuracy is improved, but the force applied to the substrate intensifies causing wrinkles, tears, or buckles in lightweight media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the substrate alignment function into two independent stages: (1) a first nip assembly that applies force only in the cross-process direction for de-skewing, and (2) a second nip assembly that applies force only in the process direction for lateral registration. This segmentation allows each nip to specialize in one direction, reducing the total force intensity on the substrate while maintaining registration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from applying multiple nips along the cross-process direction (two-dimensional force application) to using nips positioned at different locations along the process direction (one-dimensional force application). The first nip is positioned before the substrate reaches the print zone, and the second nip is positioned after, allowing alignment forces to be applied sequentially rather than simultaneously, thereby reducing peak force intensity.
2Productivity
If the force applied by rollers is intensified to correct skew and lateral registration at high speeds, then registration speed is improved, but the substrate media is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The first nip assembly is positioned to act on the substrate before it reaches the print zone, performing de-skewing in advance. This preliminary action allows the substrate to be partially aligned before entering the high-speed printing region, reducing the force needed during actual printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs independently controllable nip assemblies that can dynamically adjust their operation based on substrate conditions. Each nip can be selectively engaged or disengaged, and their speeds can be independently controlled, allowing the system to adapt to varying substrate requirements without applying excessive force.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple de-skew devices are positioned along the cross-process direction, then substrate alignment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each nip assembly in the patent is designed to perform multiple functions: de-skewing when engaged by the first nip assembly, and lateral registration when engaged by the second nip assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining alignment capabilities.
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 faster and more precise substrate alignment without causing damage, allowing for high-speed printing while maintaining image quality and preventing media distortion.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to use signals from the photoelectric sensors and the CCD devices to align the substrates
Implementation Method 2
The controller is configured to use signals from the photoelectric sensors and the CCD devices to align the substrates
Implementation Method 3
a nip assembly that is configured to be positioned on an opposite side of the media transport path to engage a surface of the substrates
Data Source
AI summary
A single nip de-skew, lateral registration, and process direction registration device removes skew, laterally registers, and registers in the process direction substrates moving along a media transport path. The single nip de-skew, lateral registration, and process direction registration device includes a fixed roller that is longer than a rotating wheel that forms a nip with the fixed roller. The wheel has a coefficient of friction that is higher than a coefficient of friction of the roller so an actuator translating the wheel along the fixed roller laterally registers and de-skews substrates.