Inkjet Head Docking Assembly for Precise Multi-Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing apparatuses for large-sized substrates face challenges in aligning multiple heads accurately and maintaining them efficiently, leading to potential printing quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a docking module with first and second pickers for precise alignment and easy maintenance, featuring a system with first and second plates connected by O-rings and spacers for sealed flow paths, and a controller for precise head module positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple heads are used for large-sized substrates, then printing coverage is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking module is divided into multiple independent pickers (first picker and second picker), each responsible for specific alignment functions. The first picker handles rough positioning while the second picker performs precise alignment, allowing each segment to specialize in a specific aspect of the overall alignment task.
Solution Approach 2:
A docking plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the head module and the docking module. The docking plate includes docking portions that interface with the pickers, providing a stable medium for alignment operations and enabling precise positioning without direct mechanical contact between the head module and alignment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If manual assembly is used for head modules, then device complexity is reduced, but assembly time and maintenance difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The docking module is designed to automatically perform alignment and connection operations without manual intervention. The pickers automatically position and secure the head module, while the docking plate automatically establishes fluid connections, enabling the system to assemble itself and reducing both time and complexity of manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking plate is pre-configured with docking portions and flow path connections before the head module is attached. This preliminary arrangement of connection interfaces and alignment features enables rapid assembly by simply bringing the head module into contact with the pre-prepared docking structure, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual connection operations.
3Reliability
If flow paths are connected manually, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function and fluid connection function are merged into a single docking operation. When the head module is positioned by the pickers, the docking plate simultaneously establishes both mechanical alignment and fluid flow path connections through integrated docking portions, eliminating the need for separate manual connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking plate serves as an intermediary that provides both alignment reference surfaces and fluid connection interfaces. This single component mediates between the mechanical positioning requirement and the fluid connection requirement, enabling simultaneous achievement of alignment and sealed flow path formation without separate operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing apparatus and a method of assembling the same are disclosed. An inkjet printing apparatus includes a first plate extending in a first direction and a second direction, first and second supports extending in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction, and located at opposite ends of the first plate, first pickers located at end areas of the first and second supports, second pickers located to have an offset in the third direction with the first pickers at the end areas of the first and second supports, and having greater alignment precision than the first pickers, a second plate extending in the first direction and the second direction and spaced apart from the first plate in the third direction, a fourth plate, and second connection parts located on the fourth plate.