Hybrid Print Support Structure for Lightweight Precision Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing apparatuses with metal support units face challenges such as high weight, increased manufacturing costs, and high replacement costs due to degradation or damage, necessitating a lightweight and cost-effective solution.

Innovation Solution

A support unit comprising a first metal member, a second resin member, and a third metal member, where the resin member forms the support surface and is supported by the metal members, providing a lightweight yet strong structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the support unit is formed of metal material, then the strength and rigidity are improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of support unitVSAvoidweight of support unit

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit is constructed as a composite structure combining metal members (first member and third member) with a resin member (second member). The metal members provide structural strength and rigidity, while the resin member reduces overall weight and forms the support surface. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the support unit is formed of metal material, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of support unitVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of support unit

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure combines expensive metal components with cheaper resin materials, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining necessary strength through the metal members' strategic placement for structural support and positioning functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support unit is divided into functional segments: metal members for structural support and positioning, and resin member for weight reduction and surface formation. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific function, improving cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the support unit is formed of metal material, then the strength is improved, but the replacement cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of support unitVSAvoidreplacement cost of support unit

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit is segmented into metal members and a resin member, where the resin member can be independently replaced. This segmentation reduces replacement cost by allowing replacement of only the degraded component rather than the entire metal support unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resin member (second member) serves as a replaceable, cost-effective component that can be replaced when degraded or damaged, while the expensive metal members (first and third members) are retained and reused, reducing overall replacement cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12594775B2Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a support unit including a support surface configured to support a medium, and a printing unit configured to perform printing on the medium supported by the transport unit. The support unit includes a first member formed of metal, a second member formed of a resin, and a third member formed of metal, the third member is attached to the first member, and supports the second member, and the second member is a plate-like member that forms the support surface.