Inkjet Printing Structure with Linear Motors for Carriage Tilt Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet printing structures suffer from issues such as wear and tear, reduced accuracy due to printhead carriage tilting, and limited movement directions, primarily caused by friction in drive mechanisms and one-sided bearing of the printhead carriage.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet printing structure utilizing a crossbeam with dual guide rails and linear motors for precise movement along three axes (x, y, z), featuring a connecting block with distributed suspension points and symmetrical guide rails to prevent tilting, and a lifting mechanism with synchronized drive mechanisms for stable printhead movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If chain wheels or belt rails are used for driving in the x-axis direction, then the drive mechanism can be implemented, but transmission efficiency is low and friction damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidfriction damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive system (chain wheels or belt rails) with a linear motor drive system. The linear motor directly drives the printhead carriage along the guide rails without mechanical transmission components, eliminating friction and wear associated with chains and belts, thereby improving transmission efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If guide rails are installed on one side of the drive motor, then the structure can be simplified, but the printhead carriage tilts after prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide rail installationVSAvoidprinting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the tilting problem by providing guide rails on both sides of the drive motor, creating a symmetrical support structure. This bilateral guide rail configuration distributes the load evenly and prevents the printhead carriage from tilting during operation, thereby maintaining printing accuracy over prolonged use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If one-sided belt traction is used, then the drive structure can be simplified, but deflection torque is generated reducing printing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive structureVSAvoidprinting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates one-sided belt traction by using a linear motor that provides balanced, centered drive force. The linear motor is positioned centrally between the guide rails, delivering symmetric traction that prevents deflection torque and maintains printing accuracy without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Device complexity

If the printhead carriage can only move in two directions, then the structure is simpler, but adjustment flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement mechanismVSAvoidcarriage adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances carriage flexibility by enabling three-directional movement (x-axis along the guide rails, y-axis perpendicular to the guide rails, and z-axis vertical movement via lifting device). This dynamic, multi-axis movement capability allows the printhead to reach various positions and adjust to different printing requirements, significantly improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances printing accuracy by preventing printhead carriage tilting, reduces maintenance costs through non-contact linear motion, and allows for flexible printhead positioning, ensuring high precision and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a first drive mechanism including a first linear motor is provided between the crossbeam and the connecting block, which is configured for driving the connecting block to move along a first direction parallel to the length direction of the crossbeam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

a second drive mechanism is provided between the connecting block and the lifting device for driving the connecting block to move back and forth along a second direction perpendicular to the crossbeam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

the third drive mechanism synchronously drives the lifting mechanisms at both sides through the synchronizing mechanism to drive the inner frame to move up and down along a third direction perpendicular to the crossbeam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP4400323B1Inkjet printing structure
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 DRIVE DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (GUANGDONG) CO LTD
  • EP4400323B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400323B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4400323B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an inkjet printing structure, including a crossbeam having a front guide rail and a rear guide rail provided on its bottom surface; a connecting block mounted with a first slider fitting with the front guide rail and the rear guide rail; a first linear motor arranged between the crossbeam and the connecting block; a lifting device connected to the bottom surface of the connecting block, including an inner frame, an outer frame, a third drive mechanism, lifting mechanisms and a synchronizing mechanism, wherein the inner frame moves relative to the outer frame through lifting mechanisms on bilateral sides thereof, and both ends of the synchronizing mechanism are respectively connected to the lifting mechanisms. A left guide rail and a right guide rail are provided on a bottom surface of the connecting block with a second slider installed on the outer frame to cooperate with the left guide rail and the right guide rail, and a second drive mechanism is provided between the connecting block and the lifting device.