Encoder Strip Positioning for Reciprocating Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of carriage position detection in image recording apparatuses is compromised due to ink mist and lubricant contamination on the encoder strip, leading to poor image quality and reduced precision in reciprocating movement control.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating apparatus design where the encoder strip is positioned between the guide members in a direction perpendicular to the carriage's movement, preventing contact with lubricant and ink mist, ensuring accurate detection and stable carriage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the encoder strip is positioned near the guide rails to detect carriage position, then the position detection function is achieved, but the encoder strip becomes contaminated with lubricant and ink mist, reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder strip is repositioned from a location near the guide rails to a location above the carriage in the vertical direction. This dimensional change separates the encoder strip from the harmful environment (lubricant and ink mist near the guide rails) while maintaining its position detection function through the optical sensor that reads the encoder strip pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage itself serves as an intermediary barrier. The optical sensor is mounted on the carriage and reads the encoder strip pattern through the carriage structure, allowing the encoder strip to be positioned above the carriage where it is protected from direct contact with lubricant and ink mist while still enabling position detection.
2Volume of moving object
If the guide shaft and guide rail are arranged horizontally to reduce apparatus size, then the device compactness is improved, but the carriage rotates about a vertical axis, causing poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The guide shaft and guide rail are arranged in the vertical direction rather than horizontally. This dimensional change maintains the compactness of the apparatus while preventing carriage rotation about the vertical axis, as the vertical arrangement of guide members constrains the carriage to move only along the guide rail without rotating.
3Measurement precision
If the encoder strip is exposed to the environment for position detection, then the detection function is achieved, but dust sticks to the lubricant on the encoder strip, making sensible portions undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder strip is positioned above the carriage in the vertical direction, separating it from the lubricant applied on the guide rails. This dimensional separation prevents dust from sticking to the lubricant on the encoder strip, maintaining the reliability of position detection while preserving the detection function.
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 arrangement maintains high accuracy in carriage position detection and control, preventing lubricant and ink mist from interfering with the encoder strip, thus enhancing image quality and stability of the reciprocating movement.
Implementation Method 1
a linear encoder including an optical sensor and an encoder strip, the encoder strip having a pattern formed thereon, to detect a position of the carriage
Implementation Method 2
by introducing the ink to a recording head including an actuator such as a piezoelectric element, an electrostriction element and a heating element, so as to give pressure the ink to eject by utilizing a deformation of the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 3
by introducing the ink to a recording head including an actuator such as a piezoelectric element, an electrostriction element and a heating element, so as to give pressure the ink to eject by utilizing a deformation of the piezoelectric element or a partial boiling of the ink by the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating apparatus includes a pair of guide members which extend in parallel with each other and in a first direction; a carriage which is reciprocateable in the first direction, supported and guided by the pair of guide members; and a carriage movement detector including (a) a sensor which is fixed to the carriage and (b) an encoder strip which extends in the first direction and which has sensible portions arranged in a lengthwise direction thereof and sensible by the sensor, such that a reciprocating movement of the carriage is detected based on sensing of the sensible portions by the sensor. The encoder strip is located between the pair of guide members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The pair of the guide members are located on one of opposite sides of the carriage in a third direction perpendicular to the first and the second directions. The encoder strip is located on the other of said opposite sides of the carriage in the third direction.