Inkjet Carriage Head Support Guide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses face challenges with the cumbersome and error-prone process of attaching and removing recording means from a carriage, leading to potential drops, incorrect attachments, and difficulties in confirming correct attachment, especially in multi-function printers where the recording means is inserted from a deep position.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a head supporting base that guides and supports the recording means during attachment and removal, preventing drops and enabling easy recognition of correct or incorrect attachments through specific guiding projections and surfaces that ensure proper alignment and secure attachment without excessive user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the recording means is inserted from a deep position in multi-function printers, then the apparatus can integrate scanning and recording functions, but the attachment process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding projections are pre-formed on both the carriage and recording means, creating automatic alignment paths that guide the user through the attachment process before final engagement occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding projections act as intermediary elements that mediate between the user's attachment action and the final secure engagement, providing tactile feedback and mechanical guidance throughout the process
2Reliability
If the recording means is securely pressed to the pressure contact connector, then reliable electrical coupling is achieved, but a very large operating force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The operating lever serves as a mechanical intermediary that transforms the user's input force into the high contact force needed at the pressure contact connector through lever arm mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-shaped guiding surface on the operating lever works in conjunction with the guiding projection to provide smooth rotational motion, distributing the mechanical stress and reducing the peak force required from the user
3Reliability
If guiding projections and surfaces are provided for automatic alignment, then incorrect attachments are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding system is segmented into discrete elements (guiding projections on the carriage, corresponding guiding surfaces on the recording means, and the operating lever with arc-shaped surface), each performing a specific alignment function that collectively ensures precise positioning without requiring a completely complex redesign
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus which can prevent a dropping of a recording head upon attachment of the recording head to a carriage is provided. When a head cartridge is attached/removed to/from a carriage, the carriage is moved to an overlapping position with a head supporting base and stopped there. Projection supporting portions to guide and support rough guide projections on both side surfaces of the head cartridge so as to be properly received by guides provided for the carriage are provided for the head supporting base.