Step Roller With Air Cylinder For Substrate Transport

An air cushion is introduced as an intermediary between the substrate and the main roller. The air cylinder with jetting holes creates a layer of air that separates the substrate from direct contact with the roller surface, while still providing support to prevent bending moment stress. This mediator allows the substrate to be supported without direct mechanical contact that could cause wrinkling or damage.

The invention uses pneumatic principles by incorporating an air cylinder with air jetting holes around the main roller. Compressed air is jetted through these holes to create a pneumatic cushion that supports the substrate's middle section. This pneumatic support system provides distributed support along the substrate width, preventing stress concentration and wrinkling while maintaining pattern protection.

The air cushion serves as a mediator that simultaneously achieves both goals: it supports the substrate middle section to prevent wrinkling while preventing direct contact between the substrate patterns and the roller surfaces. The air layer acts as a protective barrier that distributes support forces without creating localized stress points that could damage patterns.

The invention replaces direct mechanical contact support with a pneumatic support system. Instead of using additional mechanical rollers or supports that would physically touch the substrate, the system uses jetted air to create a pneumatic cushion that provides support forces without mechanical contact, thereby avoiding pattern damage while maintaining substrate integrity.