Capping Device Cam Mechanism Pressing Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping devices for liquid ejection heads face issues with inconsistent pressing force due to variations in positioning, leading to inadequate sealing and potential deformation, which can result in insufficient prevention of ink viscosity increase.
Innovation Solution
A capping device with a transmission mechanism and support member that maintains a consistent pressing force within a given range, using a cam mechanism and coil springs to stabilize the contact between the cap structure and the nozzle opening surface, preventing excessive force and ensuring sufficient tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring is used to support the cap holder and force the cap member against the nozzle opening surface, then the cap member can be pressed against the surface, but the elastic force varies due to positioning errors, causing excessive pressing force that deforms the cap member and nozzle opening surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into controlled linear motion, allowing the pressing force to be dynamically adjusted and maintained within a specific range regardless of positioning variations. The cam profile is designed to ensure that the pressing force remains constant during the capping operation, resolving the contradiction between applying sufficient force and avoiding deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of pressing force from being variable (as with springs) to being controllable within a specific range. By using a cam mechanism with a specifically designed profile, the pressing force parameter is maintained within optimal bounds, preventing both insufficient sealing and excessive deformation.
2Force
If a spring is used to support the cap holder, then the cap member can be pressed against the nozzle opening surface, but the pressing force may be insufficient to establish sufficient tightness, failing to prevent ink drying
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic control over the pressing force, ensuring that the cap member is pressed with sufficient and consistent force to create a reliable seal. The cam profile is designed to maintain the pressing force within an optimal range that guarantees adequate sealing without causing deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism inherently provides feedback control by maintaining the pressing force within a predetermined range. As the cap holder moves, the cam profile automatically adjusts the force applied, ensuring that the pressing force remains within the optimal range for reliable sealing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cap holder positioning varies, then the elastic force from the spring varies, but this leads to inconsistent pressing force that cannot maintain stable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism converts positioning variations into controlled motion, maintaining stable contact between the cap member and nozzle opening surface. The cam profile is designed to compensate for positioning errors, ensuring that the pressing force remains consistent even when the cap holder position varies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressing force parameter from being dependent on positioning precision to being controlled within a stable range. The cam mechanism ensures that the pressing force parameter remains consistent regardless of positioning variations, achieving stable contact.
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 ensures stable and consistent contact between the cap member and the nozzle opening surface, preventing deformation and ensuring effective prevention of ink viscosity increase, while maintaining a reliable sealing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil spring 54 connected between the pair of pivot members 52, and a second coil spring 54 connected between the pair of pivot members 52
Data Source
AI summary
A capping device including: (a) a cap structure is movable, relative to an object, in a contact direction toward a surface of the object so as to be brought into contact with the surface, for thereby covering the surface of the object; (b) a transmission mechanism configured to transmit, to the cap structure, a pressing force that causes the cap structure to be brought into contact with the surface; and (c) a support member supporting the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is configured to restrain increase and reduction of the pressing force, such that the pressing force transmitted to the cap structure is held in a given amount range at least when a distance between the cap structure and the support member in the contact direction is in a given distance range while the cap structure is in contact with the surface.