Asymmetric Ink Nozzle Positioning in Liquid Ejecting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid ejecting devices require a significant size increase to provide a sufficient accelerating region for ink cartridges, and there is a risk of ink adhesion to the recording medium due to the positioning of ink nozzle units at the center of the cartridges, which can lead to protrusion of the recording medium out of the image forming region.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting device features a configuration where the first and second endmost liquid ejecting heads have their liquid ejecting portions deviated towards each other, allowing for a sufficient accelerating region without increasing the device size, and positioning the ink nozzle units away from the image forming region to prevent ink adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ink nozzle units are disposed at the center portions of the lower surfaces of the ink cartridges, then the structure is simplified and symmetric, but the accelerating region becomes insufficient and the device size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The ink nozzle units are positioned asymmetrically within the ink cartridges, specifically at positions closer to one end rather than at the center. This asymmetric arrangement allows the cartridges to be positioned such that the nozzle units are far enough from the image forming region to provide sufficient accelerating region, while maintaining a compact overall device size. The asymmetric positioning resolves the contradiction by sacrificing structural symmetry to achieve the required functional performance.
2Length of moving object
If the ink cartridges are moved to a position sufficiently away from the image forming region, then the accelerating region is sufficient, but the device size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the device size by extending the movement range in one dimension, the ink nozzle units are repositioned within the existing cartridge structure. This allows the accelerating region to be sufficient while maintaining a compact device footprint. The solution effectively utilizes the internal positioning freedom within the cartridge to resolve the spatial conflict.
3Area of stationary object
If the ink nozzle units are positioned closer to the image forming region, then the device size is reduced, but the recording medium may contact the cap and ink may adhere to it
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of ink nozzle units within the cartridges allows optimization of the distance between the nozzle units and the image forming region. By positioning the nozzle units at specific asymmetric locations, sufficient clearance is maintained to prevent recording medium contact with the cap, thereby preventing ink adhesion while keeping the device compact.
4Device complexity
If the liquid ejecting portions are positioned at the center of the liquid ejecting heads, then the structure is symmetric and simplified, but the accelerating region is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid ejecting portions are positioned asymmetrically within the liquid ejecting heads, specifically at positions that allow the heads to be located far enough from the image forming region. This asymmetric arrangement provides sufficient accelerating region for the reciprocating movement, enabling proper acceleration capability while maintaining a compact overall structure. The asymmetric positioning prioritizes functional performance over structural symmetry.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting device includes a plurality of liquid ejecting heads reciprocally movable in a main scanning direction and arrayed in the main scanning direction. Each of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads include a liquid ejecting portion configured to eject liquid. The plurality of liquid ejecting heads includes: a first endmost liquid ejecting head; and a second endmost liquid ejecting head. The first endmost liquid ejecting head constitutes one end in the main scanning direction of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads. The second endmost liquid ejecting head constitutes another end in the main scanning direction of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads. The liquid ejecting portion of at least one of the first endmost liquid ejecting head and the second endmost liquid ejecting head is disposed at a position deviated toward the remaining one of the first endmost liquid ejecting head and the second endmost liquid ejecting head.