Vacuum Belt Assembly with Independently Slidable Belts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wideformat inkjet printers face challenges with media buckling due to uneven flatness and velocity variations, leading to print quality deterioration, particularly exacerbated by microscopic deviations in vacuum belt assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum belt assembly with independently laterally slidable belts and strategically positioned vacuum antechambers provides improved control over media movement, minimizing buckling by adjusting suction force and allowing self-correction of belt alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed vacuum belt assembly is used in pagewidth printing, then the printhead assembly can be fixed and print speeds can be increased, but media buckling occurs due to microscopic deviations in belt alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum belt assembly is made dynamically adjustable through independent lateral positioning mechanisms for each belt. This allows the system to adapt and correct alignment deviations in real-time during operation, transforming a static fixed-position system into a dynamic one that can compensate for manufacturing imperfections and maintain media flatness at high print speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameters of the vacuum belts by allowing independent lateral movement along their respective axes. This parameter adjustment capability enables correction of alignment deviations without requiring perfect manufacturing precision, thereby maintaining media flatness while operating at high print speeds.
2Manufacturing precision
If vacuum belts are tightly constrained to prevent deviation, then media alignment can be maintained, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum belt assembly is segmented into individually positionable belts, each with its own lateral adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows for simpler, more modular constraint mechanisms compared to a fully integrated rigid system, as each belt can be controlled independently with less complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-adjustment capabilities where the vacuum belts can automatically correct their own alignment through the positioning mechanisms. This self-service feature reduces the need for complex external constraint systems and manual intervention, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the vacuum belt assembly is made adjustable to correct alignment deviations, then media buckling is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanisms are implemented locally at each belt's axis rather than through a centralized complex system. Each belt has its own localized adjustment capability, which distributes the complexity across multiple simple units rather than one complex unit, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired media flatness correction.
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 solution effectively reduces media buckling and enhances print quality by maintaining uniform media flatness and velocity, minimizing print defects and improving overall printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber for drawing print media onto an upper surface of the belts
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes: a plurality of endless belts tensioned between first and second pulleys, the first and second pulleys having respective first and second axes of rotation perpendicular with the media feed direction; and a vacuum chamber for drawing print media onto an upper surface of the belts. Each belt is independently laterally slidable along one of the first and second axes.