Thermal Image Forming Apparatus Eccentric Head Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal image forming apparatuses for double-sided printing are expensive and often produce non-uniform images due to complex transfer paths and manufacturing errors, which increase costs and reduce image quality.
Innovation Solution
A thermal image forming apparatus with a single recording head that alternately moves between two positions facing the first and second sides of the recording medium, using a platen roller and conveying system with a symmetrical heating part and eccentric rotation center to ensure uniform image formation, simplifying the transfer path and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two recording heads are provided for double-sided printing, then double-sided printing capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the recording head movable rather than fixed. A single recording head alternates between facing the first side and second side of the recording medium through rotation around the platen roller, achieving double-sided printing capability while reducing the number of recording heads from two to one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the recording head is fixed and the recording medium is inverted for double-sided printing, then double-sided printing is achieved, but the transfer path becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inverting the recording medium or using a complex transfer path, the patent rotates the recording head around the platen roller to face different sides of the medium. This dynamic repositioning of the recording head simplifies the transfer path while maintaining double-sided printing capability.
3Productivity
If conventional double-sided printing methods are used, then printing is achieved, but image uniformity deteriorates due to manufacturing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the rotation center position of the recording head relative to the platen roller. The rotation center is deliberately positioned at an eccentric location, which compensates for manufacturing errors and ensures that the heating part maintains consistent positioning relative to the recording medium during rotation, thereby improving image uniformity.
4Device complexity
If a single recording head is used with rotation, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision of the heating part may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for potential positioning errors introduced by rotation through deliberate asymmetric positioning of the rotation center. By placing the rotation center at an eccentric location relative to the platen roller, the system ensures that the heating part maintains accurate positioning relative to the recording medium throughout the rotation cycle, counteracting manufacturing tolerances.
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 achieves good quality and uniform double-sided printing with reduced mechanical complexity and lower costs, minimizing manufacturing errors and jamming probabilities while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a recording head including a heating part which applies heat to the recording medium for image formation
Implementation Method 2
a conveying part including a drive roller and a driven roller which rotate while in engagement with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal image forming apparatus is provided. A platen roller supports a recording medium having first and second sides opposite to each other. A recording head includes a heating part that applies heat to the recording medium for image formation. The recording head rotates around the platen roller to move the heating part to first and second locations respectively facing the first and second sides of the recording medium. A conveying part conveys the recording medium. When the recording head is positioned at the first and second locations, locations of the heating part are symmetrical with each other with respect to a reference line, which passes through the conveying part and a center of the platen roller.