Inkjet Head Box Gap Adjustment via Eccentric Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in accurately and efficiently adjusting the gap between the line head and the recording medium, leading to suboptimal print quality due to the need for manual tools and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a gap adjustment cam mechanism that allows for precise up-and-down movement of the head box, utilizing eccentric or multistage cams with a driving mechanism for step-by-step rotation, and cam followers to adjust the gap with high accuracy and ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw component with locking mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the line head position can be adjusted, but the adjustment process requires tools and takes considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical adjustment system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into precise linear displacement of the head box, enabling gap adjustment without requiring tools or complex locking operations. The operator simply rotates the cam to achieve the desired gap position, dramatically reducing adjustment time and simplifying the operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gap is adjusted for each recording condition, then print quality is optimized, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides a direct, tool-free method for adjusting the gap to precise positions required for different recording conditions. The cam's profile is designed to provide accurate positional control, allowing operators to quickly adjust for various media types and thicknesses without complex procedures, thereby maintaining print quality while reducing adjustment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the head box position to match different recording conditions. The continuous rotational movement of the cam enables smooth, incremental adjustments, making it easy to optimize the gap for various printing requirements without being constrained by fixed discrete positions.
3Ease of operation
If the gap is set to a common position for all conditions, then adjustment is simplified, but print quality deteriorates due to inability to optimize for specific media
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides both simplicity and precision simultaneously. The cam can be rotated to achieve a common default position for general use, while also allowing precise adjustment to optimized positions for specific media types. This dual capability resolves the contradiction by making the system both easy to operate and capable of high-quality printing across different conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional height adjustment mechanisms are used, then the line head position can be changed, but the apparatus size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional height adjustment mechanisms, such as complex locking systems, multiple screws, and bulky support structures. The cam mechanism achieves the same position adjustment capability with a single, compact component, significantly reducing the weight and size of the moving parts while maintaining full adaptability for gap adjustment.
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 solution enables precise and rapid adjustment of the gap, minimizing the risk of mechanical contact and improving print quality by allowing for easy adjustment of the line head position, reducing the complexity of the component configuration and enabling miniaturization and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
the gap adjustment cam is an eccentric cam defined by a continuous curve
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] To provide an inkjet recording apparatus capable of adjusting a gap with high accuracy and easily. [Solution] The present invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus 100 including line heads 20 to 23 capable of recording on a recording medium 1, a head box 11 that houses the line heads 20 to 23, and gap adjustment cams 30 to 32 that abut on a lower surface of a bottom 11b in the head box 11, in which the head box 11 is slightly movable in an up-and-down direction by rotating the gap adjustment cams 30 to 32.