Inkjet Head Casing Segmentation for Jam Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet recording devices, when a jam occurs between the recording head and platen, moving the recording head relative to the platen can strain and damage the tube connecting the recording head with the main tank, disrupting the negative pressure required for ink ejection.
Innovation Solution
A printer design featuring a pivotally coupled upper and lower casing system, where the main tank is located in the lower casing to maintain negative pressure, allowing the upper casing to move away from the lower casing during jams without straining the tube connecting the recording head to the main tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper casing is moved relative to the lower casing when a jam occurs, then the recording head can be accessed for maintenance, but the tube connecting the recording head with the main tank is pulled and strained and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into an upper casing (first casing) and a lower casing (second casing) that can be moved relative to each other. The recording head is mounted on the upper casing while the main tank is mounted on the lower casing, allowing independent movement of each segment to prevent tube strain during maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
A tube serves as an intermediary connection between the recording head on the upper casing and the main tank on the lower casing. The tube is designed with sufficient flexibility and length to accommodate the relative movement between casings without transmitting damaging forces, thus mediating the connection while allowing operational independence.
2Ease of repair
If the recording head is moved out to the maintenance region when a jam occurs, then the jammed recording medium can be removed, but the tube connecting the recording head with the main tank is strained and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into movable upper and lower casings, the recording head can be independently positioned in the maintenance region without moving the main tank, allowing jam removal while keeping the tube connection stable and undamaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper casing is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the lower casing, enabling the recording head to be repositioned for maintenance while the lower casing and main tank remain stationary, thus preventing tube strain through controlled dynamic movement.
3Stress or pressure
If the main tank is disposed at the lower casing to maintain negative pressure, then the recording head pressure is maintained, but the tube is pulled and strained when the upper casing moves
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the main tank into the lower casing and the recording head into the upper casing allows the main tank to remain stationary for pressure maintenance while the upper casing moves independently, preventing tube strain through spatial separation and independent movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube connecting the upper and lower casings is designed with flexible properties, allowing it to accommodate relative movement between casings without transmitting excessive tension or strain forces that would compromise its strength or the pressure maintenance function.
Data Source
AI summary
A first frame holds a platen. A second frame holds a head. When the second frame is at a first position, the head faces the platen. When the second frame is at a second position, the second frame is positioned farther away from the first frame than when the second frame is at the first position. At the second position, the head is positioned farther away from the platen than when the second frame is at the first position. A head lifter is held by the second frame. At the first position, the head lifter moves the head with respect to the second frame between a printing position and a separate position. At the printing position, the head ejects liquid toward a medium supported by the platen. At the separate position, the head is farther away from the platen in an intersecting direction than at the printing position.