Inkjet Guide Member Widthwise Alignment for Compact Vertical Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording devices experience an increase in vertical size due to the placement of the main tank above the first curved passage, which is not suitable for reducing the device's overall size.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet recording device is designed with a storage body aligned with a guide member in the widthwise direction, allowing the tank to be positioned frontward of the first conveyor roller, thereby reducing the vertical size by eliminating the need for the tank to be above the guide member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the main tank is positioned above the first curved passage, then the sheet conveying path is established, but the vertical size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the main tank from a vertical arrangement (above the first curved passage) to a horizontal arrangement (aligned with the guide member in the widthwise direction). This dimensional change allows the tank to be accessed from the front of the device rather than from above, reducing vertical size while maintaining ease of ink replenishment through front access.
2Quantity of substance
If the main tank is positioned above the first curved passage, then ink supply to the head is enabled, but the device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the main tank from a vertical positioning (contributing to device height) to a horizontal positioning (aligned with the guide member). This allows the ink storage capacity to be maintained while the tank extends in the widthwise direction rather than increasing the device height, enabling compact vertical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions different components at different heights to optimize space utilization. The main tank is positioned at a height that aligns with the guide member, while the first conveyor roller and other components are positioned at different vertical levels. This local variation in positioning allows efficient space usage without increasing overall device height.
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 configuration effectively suppresses the increase in vertical size, allowing for a more compact design while maintaining easy access for ink replenishment and efficient sheet discharge.
Implementation Method 1
The head includes nozzles through which the ink supplied from the storage body is configured to be ejected
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording device includes a first tray for supporting sheets, a storage body for storing ink, a head for ejecting ink, a platen positioned between the head and the first tray, and a first guide member. The platen is configured to support a first surface of the sheet conveyed rearward at a position below the head. The first guide member is positioned frontward of the head and has a first curved surface configured to guide the first surface of the sheet conveyed from the first tray toward the platen. The first guide member has a portion arranged in alignment with the storage body in a widthwise direction perpendicular to an up-down direction and a front-rear direction. The first guide member has a portion positioned at the same height as the storage body in the up-down direction.