Liquid Discharge Head Position Adjustment via Mechanical Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge apparatuses require a dedicated actuator to move the head unit, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The liquid discharge apparatus moves the head unit without a dedicated actuator by using a position changer mechanism, such as a ball screw and linear guide, controlled by a motor to adjust the head unit's position in response to detected positional deviations of the sheet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a dedicated actuator is used to move the head unit, then the head unit position can be precisely adjusted, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead unit position adjustment precisionVSAvoidactuator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the dedicated actuator system with a mechanical linkage system that utilizes the existing conveyance device's movement to drive the head unit. The head unit is connected to the conveyance device through a linkage mechanism, allowing the head unit to move in the second direction (orthogonal to conveyance direction) as the conveyance device moves in the first direction, thereby eliminating the need for a separate dedicated actuator while maintaining positioning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance device is designed to serve dual functions: it not only conveys the object in the first direction but also drives the head unit to move in the second direction through the mechanical linkage. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system structure while maintaining the ability to precisely adjust the head unit position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a dedicated actuator is used to move the head unit, then the head unit position can be precisely adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead unit position adjustment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of moving the head unit in the second direction with the existing conveyance device that moves objects in the first direction. By integrating these functions through a mechanical linkage, the system reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs while achieving the required positioning precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for precise movement of the head unit to adjust ink discharge positions without increasing manufacturing costs, thereby simplifying the apparatus and maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a position changer mechanism, such as a ball screw and linear guide, controlled by a motor to adjust the head unit's position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall screw mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a position changer mechanism, such as a ball screw and linear guide, controlled by a motor to adjust the head unit's position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear guide: Guided Rotor Compressor

Data Source

PatentEP4303014B1Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge method

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

A liquid discharge apparatus (100) includes a conveyor (8), a liquid discharger (12), a maintenance device (45), a position changer (50), a position detector (30), and circuitry (9). The conveyor (8) conveys an object in a first direction. The liquid discharger (12) discharges a liquid onto the object at a first position. The liquid discharger (12) includes a full-width head extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The maintenance device (45) maintains a discharge state of the liquid discharger (12) at a second position away from the first position. The position changer (50) moves the liquid discharger (12) between the first position and the second position. The position detector (30) detects a position of the object. The circuitry (9) causes the position changer (50) to change a head position of the liquid discharger (12) in response to the position of the object detected by the position detector (30).