Ink Discharge Head Posture Adjustment for Print Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate alignment and adjustment of nozzle surfaces, leading to inconsistent discharge performance and reduced print quality due to limitations in adjusting the posture and position of ink discharge modules, and difficulties in precisely exchanging module mount assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A head unit with a posture adjustment mechanism that rotates the ink discharge head about an axis perpendicular to the nozzle surface and a height adjustment mechanism that moves the ink discharge head in a direction parallel to the nozzle surface, allowing for precise alignment before attachment to a base member, along with an attaching/detaching jig for efficient exchange of head units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If module mount assemblies are joined to module mounts and mounted on frame using clamp assemblies, then assembly is simplified, but nozzle surface alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidnozzle surface alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional components: module mounts for holding ink discharge heads, clamp assemblies for securing to the frame, and a dedicated alignment jig. The alignment function is segmented from the mounting process, allowing precise nozzle surface alignment to be achieved independently before final assembly, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An alignment jig is introduced as an intermediary tool between the module mounts and the frame during assembly. This mediator provides precise alignment references and guides for positioning nozzle surfaces correctly before the clamp assemblies secure the modules to the frame, enabling high precision alignment without complicating the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If automatic adjustment is performed using spring biasing forces in clamp assemblies, then adjustment is automated, but adjustment accuracy is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment automationVSAvoidadjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment and adjustment are performed in advance using the alignment jig before the clamp assemblies are fully engaged. The preliminary alignment action establishes precise nozzle surface positions, and then the clamp assemblies with spring biasing forces secure these pre-adjusted positions. This separates the precision alignment function from the automated clamping function, allowing both automation and high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If head cleaning is performed on mounted heads, then maintenance is simplified, but nozzle surface alignment is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance simplicityVSAvoidnozzle surface alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing head cleaning in place on mounted heads, the invention enables easy detachment of module mounts from the frame using the clamp assembly mechanism. Heads can be detached for cleaning and then reattached to the same or different module mounts, maintaining alignment through the consistent interface design. This inverts the approach from in-situ cleaning to removable cleaning, preserving alignment while simplifying maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Area of stationary object

If narrow intervals between module mount assemblies are used, then space is optimized, but exchange difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmodule exchange ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assemblies are designed to automatically engage with module mounts and provide self-aligning features during the exchange process. When a module mount assembly is removed and a new one is inserted, the clamp assembly's spring biasing forces and alignment features guide the new module into correct position without requiring manual alignment or wide clearance. This self-service alignment mechanism enables easy exchange even with narrow intervals between assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12059908B2Head unit, head unit adjustment method, attaching/detaching jig and head unit exchange method

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD

AI summary

A head unit to be detachably arrayed in a predetermined array direction on a base member includes: an ink discharge head having a nozzle surface configured to discharge an ink; a head holder attachable to and detachable from the base member while holding the ink discharge head in a holding region; and a posture adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a posture of the nozzle surface with respect to the head holder by rotating the ink discharge head with respect to the head holder about an axis of rotation perpendicular to both a surface normal to the nozzle surface and the array direction in a state where the head holder is not attached to the base member.