Integrated Table Moving Mechanism for Compact Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printers with table moving mechanisms have a relatively large size due to the dual-box shape of the table carriage and raising and lowering case, which is inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A table moving mechanism that includes a slide apparatus for horizontal movement and a lift for vertical adjustment, eliminating the need for a dual-box structure by integrating the vertical mover directly into the table support system, allowing for compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the table carriage and raising and lowering case are designed as separate box structures to house the raising and lowering shafts and enable height adjustment, then the table moving mechanism can achieve the required functionality for moving the recording medium in front-rear and up-down directions, but the mechanism becomes relatively large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the table carriage and raising and lowering case into a single integrated base structure. The raising and lowering shafts are directly mounted on this unified base, eliminating the need for separate box structures. This integration maintains the functionality of moving the table in both front-rear and up-down directions while significantly reducing the overall size of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified base structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the mounting platform for the slide apparatus, houses the raising and lowering shafts, and provides the structural support for height adjustment. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant structural elements and reduces the mechanism's volume while preserving all required movements.
2Ease of operation
If the dual-box structure is used to accommodate the raising and lowering shafts and allow height adjustment, then the table can be moved in multiple directions, but the inkjet printer including this mechanism becomes relatively large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the table carriage and raising and lowering case into one unified base, eliminating the dual-box structure. This integration maintains the ability to move the table in front-rear and up-down directions while reducing the printer's overall size by removing redundant structural compartments.
3Reliability
If the table carriage is designed as a box shape to house the raising and lowering shafts, then the mechanism can support vertical movement, but the overall structure becomes bulky and increases the printer's size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the structural support function directly into the unified base without requiring a separate box-shaped table carriage. The raising and lowering shafts are mounted directly on this consolidated base, which provides sufficient structural support while minimizing volume by eliminating redundant enclosing structures.
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
The compact design enables smaller-sized inkjet printers with improved mobility and reduced weight, maintaining consistent printing quality by minimizing deflection of support components and reducing the actuation force required for movement.
Implementation Method 1
a slide rail supporting the table and extending in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
raising and lowering shafts in engagement with the first base and extending in the up-down direction
Data Source
AI summary
A table moving mechanism includes a table, a slide apparatus including a first base and slide rails, and a lift including a vertical mover to raise and lower the first base. The table is moved in a first direction along the slide rails. The vertical mover raises and lowers the first base so as to move the table in an up-down direction. Because the vertical mover does not move in the first direction, the table moving mechanism needs no table carriage to move the vertical mover in the first direction. Consequently, the table moving mechanism is not required to have a dual-box shape necessary for conventional table moving mechanisms.