Elastic Fixer Table Mover for Ink Jet Printer Dimensional Error Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table movers in ink jet printers face challenges in weight reduction and cost optimization due to the necessity of a sub-base member for eliminating dimensional errors, as the side walls of the base member cannot be deformed to support guide rails.
Innovation Solution
A table mover design where the first and second slide rails are fixed to the side walls of the base member, with a table carriage featuring fixers and fixing brackets that can be elastically deformed to attach and move smoothly along the rails, reducing deflection and allowing for dimensional error correction without the need for a sub-base member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If guide rails are attached directly to the side walls of the base member, then the number of parts is reduced and cost is lowered, but dimensional errors cannot be eliminated because the side walls cannot be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is divided into a base body and separate side wall components. The side walls are made as detachable elements that can be elastically deformed during assembly to accommodate dimensional errors, while the main base body remains rigid for supporting the guide rails. This segmentation allows the side walls to absorb dimensional variations without affecting the overall precision of the guide rail attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall components are designed with specific elastic properties that allow them to be deformed during assembly. By changing the physical state of the side walls from rigid to elastically deformable during the attachment process, dimensional errors can be compensated. After assembly, the side walls maintain their position, providing stable support for the guide rails.
2Manufacturing precision
If a sub-base member is used to attach guide rails, then dimensional errors are eliminated through deformation, but the weight of the printer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of the sub-base member and side wall support structure are merged into a single integrated design. The side walls of the base member themselves are designed to provide the attachment surface for guide rails, eliminating the need for a separate sub-base member. This integration reduces the total number of components and overall weight while maintaining the capability to eliminate dimensional errors through elastic deformation of side wall portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls of the base member serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the guide rails, accommodate dimensional errors through elastic deformation, and eliminate the need for separate sub-base members. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and weight while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If side walls of the base member are deformed to eliminate dimensional errors, then appropriate attachment is achieved, but the side walls must be separately provided from the base member
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is segmented into a rigid base body and flexible side wall components. This segmentation allows the side walls to be elastically deformed for dimensional error compensation while the base body provides stable support. The segmented design enables the side walls to be separately provided from the base member, facilitating the deformation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall components are designed with dynamic elastic properties that allow them to deform during assembly and then maintain their position. This dynamic characteristic enables the side walls to adapt to dimensional variations during attachment while providing stable support once assembled, reducing the need for additional rigid components.
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
This design enables smooth movement of the table assembly along the slide rails, reduces deflection, and allows for appropriate attachment despite dimensional errors, achieving weight reduction and cost optimization by eliminating the sub-base member.
Implementation Method 1
The first fixer is more easily elastically deformed in the second direction than the second fixer
Data Source
AI summary
A table mover includes a table assembly including a table carriage to support a table, and the table assembly is movable in sub-scanning directions along a first slide rail fixed to a left side frame and a second slide rail fixed to a right side frame. The table carriage includes a first left fixer to which a left fixing bracket coupled to a left slider to be engaged with the first slide rail is fixed and a first right fixer to which a right fixing bracket coupled to a right slider to be engaged with a second slide rail is fixed. The first left fixer is elastically deformable in main scanning directions relative to the left side frame.