Encoder Sensor Cover for Linear Scale Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in precisely mounting and replacing the linear encoder scale due to its placement near the carriage, which is prone to damage, smudging, and detachment issues, making it difficult for users to accurately control the carriage position.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a rotatable or detachable sensor cover that forms a through-hole on the carriage, allowing the linear encoder scale to be easily mounted and replaced by exposing the concave-shaped slit of the encoder sensor, preventing detachment and improving workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the linear encoder scale is positioned near the carriage for precise control, then the position control precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to damage, smudging, and detachment risks
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder scale is extracted from its traditional position near the carriage and relocated to the carriage cover, which is farther from the printing area. This extraction removes the scale from the harmful environment while maintaining the measurement function through the transparent cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent carriage cover acts as an intermediary medium between the encoder scale and the external environment. It allows the scale to be positioned near the carriage for precision while protecting it from damage, smudging, and detachment through the cover's protective function.
2Reliability
If the linear encoder scale is laterally inserted into the detachment prevention hole on the carriage side surface, then the reliability is improved by preventing detachment, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficult mounting and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder scale mounting is changed from lateral insertion (horizontal dimension) to front insertion (vertical dimension through the transparent cover). This dimensional change makes the scale easily observable and accessible during installation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent carriage cover allows visual observation of the encoder scale's position and state. This transparency provides visual feedback during mounting and replacement operations, making it easier to ensure proper installation without complex mechanical indicators.
3Reliability
If the encoder scale is made replaceable to prevent damage, then the reliability is improved by allowing replacement of damaged scales, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult replacement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder scale is extracted from the carriage structure and relocated to the carriage cover, which can be easily removed. This extraction enables simple replacement by detaching the cover, transforming a complex internal replacement operation into a simple external one.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage system is segmented into the main carriage body and the removable carriage cover. The encoder scale is associated with the cover portion, allowing independent replacement of the scale through cover removal without affecting the main carriage structure.
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
Facilitates easier and more precise mounting of the linear encoder scale, reducing the risk of damage and smudging, and enhancing the overall control of the carriage position during printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The encoder sensor 8 includes a light emitter and a light receiver disposed opposite each other with a certain interval therebetween. By passing through the linear encode scale 7 between the light emitter and the light receiver, the encoder scale 8 reads the scale marks.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a print head to form an image on a recording medium; a carriage, including the print head, which scans in a main scanning direction; a linear encoder scale with scale marks and elongated in the carriage moving direction to detect a position of the carriage; an encoder sensor disposed on a side wall of the carriage including a groove with an upper open concave-shaped cross-section if seen from the carriage moving direction and reads scale marks on the linear encoder scale by passing the linear encoder scale through the groove; and a through-hole forming member, disposed on the side wall of the carriage, configured to cover the encoder sensor, and forming a through-hole extending in the carriage moving direction which the linear encoder scale is passed through. The through-hole forming member is disposed openable with respect to the carriage.