Inkjet Head Module Positioning Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning head modules in ink jet recording apparatuses face challenges such as high accuracy requirements for convex and concave portions, thermal expansion issues, increased component counts, and time-consuming mounting processes, particularly when using connecting fittings.
Innovation Solution
A droplet-discharging head with a base frame, head module support unit, mounting position adjustment unit, and displacement detection unit allows for precise adjustment and detection of head module positions, enabling easy fine-tuning and high-accuracy mounting without the need for complex fitting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If connecting fittings are used to connect head modules, then the head modules can be assembled, but the number of components increases and mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting position adjustment unit integrates the adjustment mechanism directly into the support unit structure, eliminating the need for separate connecting fittings. The support unit itself provides both support and adjustment functions, reducing component count while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit serves multiple functions: it supports the head module, provides mounting position adjustment, and enables precise positioning. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require separate components for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If connecting fittings are used to connect head modules, then the head modules can be assembled, but mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the support unit, allowing adjustment to occur during the mounting process itself rather than requiring a separate adjustment step after assembly with connecting fittings.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting position adjustment unit is pre-configured on the support unit, so that positioning adjustments can be made immediately when the head module is mounted, eliminating time-consuming post-assembly adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If convex portions and concave portions are processed with high accuracy for positioning, then head modules can be precisely positioned, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fitting systems (convex-concave portions requiring high precision machining) with a support unit-based positioning system that achieves precise positioning through structural design rather than high-precision machining of mating surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit acts as an intermediary between the base frame and head modules, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the positioning requirement. Instead of requiring high-precision convex-concave fittings between head modules, the support unit mediates the positioning through its mounting mechanism.
4Ease of manufacture
If head modules are connected through fittings, then assembly is possible, but thermal expansion effects propagate to other head modules
Solution Approach 1:
Each head module is independently mounted on its own support unit, which is attached to the base frame. This segmentation isolates thermal expansion effects to individual head modules rather than allowing them to propagate through connecting fittings to adjacent modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit serves as an intermediary that decouples head modules from each other. Instead of direct connection through fittings that transmit thermal effects, each head module connects to the base frame through its own support unit, which acts as an isolating intermediary.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a droplet-discharging head, a droplet-discharging device, and a method for positioning head modules of the droplet-discharging head in which the job of adjusting head module installation positions can be easily performed. In an ink jet head 200 configured by linking multiple head modules 210 together, each head modules 210 is mounted on a base frame 212 supported by a head module support unit provided on the base frame 212. The mounting positions of the head modules 210 in an X-direction mounted on the base frame 212 are individually adjusted by X-directional mounting position adjustment unit. The amounts of displacement of the head modules 210 here are detected by displacement detection unit.