Inkjet Recording Head Module Curved Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording devices face challenges in maintaining accurate alignment of nozzle openings, leading to rotational misalignment and image quality deterioration, especially when multiple recording heads are attached to an attachment member using mechanical fixation methods.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a configuration where multiple head modules with one-dimensionally arranged recording heads are attached at both ends in the width direction to an attachment member, with staggered arrangements and curvature in the conveyance direction, and includes concave and convex shapes in lateral surfaces to minimize rotational misalignment and optimize nozzle placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple recording heads are attached to an attachment member using mechanical fixation methods, then the device can accommodate multiple nozzle units, but rotational misalignment occurs leading to image quality deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation speedVSAvoidnozzle alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the recording system into multiple head modules, each containing one or more recording heads with nozzle openings. Each head module is independently attachable to the attachment member, allowing modular assembly while maintaining precise nozzle alignment through the curved surface configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention configures the nozzle openings to be arranged on a curved surface that corresponds to the curvature of the recording medium. This curvature ensures that when the head modules are mechanically fixed to the attachment member, the nozzles maintain accurate alignment with the recording medium surface, preventing rotational misalignment and image quality deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Measurement precision

If nozzle openings are arranged in high density, then image accuracy improves, but position accuracy in attaching inkjet heads becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidhead attachment position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging nozzle openings on a curved surface matching the recording medium's curvature, the invention provides inherent geometric guidance for proper head positioning. This curved configuration makes it easier to achieve accurate attachment positions even when nozzle openings are densely arranged, as the curvature itself serves as a positioning reference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the head module: the nozzle openings are arranged on a curved surface for high-density precise arrangement, while the attachment portion has a flat surface for easy and accurate mechanical fixation to the attachment member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If recording heads are arranged in a staggered manner in multiple rows, then high density nozzle arrangement is achieved, but rotational misalignment has greater impact on image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation speedVSAvoidimage quality deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The curved surface configuration of the nozzle openings compensates for rotational misalignment effects. When head modules are arranged in a staggered manner, the curvature ensures that nozzles at different positions and angles can all maintain proper alignment with the recording medium, reducing the harmful impact of rotational misalignment on image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS9718272B2Inkjet recording device

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

Provided is an attachment member that prevents the misalignment of a plurality of recording heads caused by rotation in attaching the recording heads to a head module which constitutes a head unit of an inkjet recording device.