Biased Sensor Support for Printer Platen Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of substrate advance in printer systems negatively affects print quality due to imprecise positioning of sensors relative to the platen during removal and replacement, requiring frequent recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A sensor support system comprising a first section with grips for precise placement on the platen and a second section with resilient clips for attachment to a printer chassis, utilizing biasing means to maintain consistent sensor positioning despite platen displacement, allowing for translational and rotational movement to ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor support is fixed rigidly to the printer chassis, then the sensor positioning is stable, but the platen removal and replacement causes misalignment requiring recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support is divided into two sections: a first section that interfaces with the platen and a second section that attaches to the printer chassis. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, with the first section moving with the platen and the second section remaining fixed, thereby maintaining alignment without restricting platen operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means provides a dynamic connection between the two sections, allowing the first section to move relative to the second section while maintaining contact. This dynamic mechanism enables the sensor support to adapt to platen displacement during removal and replacement while preserving positioning accuracy, eliminating the need for recalibration.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor support allows movement during platen removal, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means creates a dynamic yet controlled movement system where the first section can move during platen removal and replacement but maintains consistent contact. This ensures the sensor remains in the same position relative to the platen throughout operation, preserving measurement precision while enabling easy platen handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means automatically maintains the correct position of the first section relative to the second section during platen operations. The system self-adjusts to maintain sensor alignment without requiring external intervention or recalibration, ensuring measurement precision is maintained throughout the operational cycle.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sensor support structure is made complex to maintain positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support is segmented into two functional sections with a simple biasing mechanism connecting them. This segmentation achieves precise sensor positioning through the functional separation of platen interface and chassis attachment, avoiding the need for complex single-structure designs while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means changes the mechanical parameter of the connection between sections from rigid to spring-loaded, allowing controlled movement while maintaining positioning consistency. This parameter change simplifies the overall structure by replacing complex alignment mechanisms with a simple elastic connection that automatically maintains correct positioning.
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 system ensures the sensor remains in the same position relative to the platen during repeated removal and replacement, reducing measurement errors to less than ±0.05% and eliminating the need for recalibration, thereby improving print quality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
biasing means to urge the first section away from the second section
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor support, as well as a platen and printer for use with the sensor support. The sensor support comprising a first section and a second section. The first section is capable of receiving a sensor. The first section and the second section are associated together such that there is at least a degree of freedom of movement of the first section relative to the second section. The sensor support further comprises biasing means to urge the first section away from the second section.