Jetting Module Fluid Coupling Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing systems face challenges in making reliable and cost-effective fluid and electrical connections to field-replaceable jetting modules, often requiring complex mechanisms and sensors that increase costs and reduce reliability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling system with a latch mechanism that secures fluid connections before allowing electrical connections, ensuring leak-proof fluid coupling and preventing fluid supply until the coupling is secured, thereby simplifying the connection process and eliminating the need for multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms and sensors are used to make fluid and electrical connections to jetting modules, then connection reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically secure the fluid coupling assembly to the jetting module before the electrical cable can be connected. The blocking feature prevents electrical connection until the fluid connection is properly established, ensuring correct assembly sequence without requiring complex sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-enforcing mechanical constraints where the latch mechanism and blocking feature work together to automatically ensure proper connection sequence. The design itself enforces the correct assembly procedure through its physical structure, eliminating the need for external monitoring sensors or complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to monitor connection status, then connection reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism and blocking feature create a self-verifying system where the physical state of the connections is automatically indicated by the mechanical configuration. The system's own structure serves as the monitoring mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors to verify connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for multiple sensors by extracting the monitoring function into the mechanical design itself. The blocking feature and latch mechanism inherently provide connection status information through their engaged or disengaged states, replacing electronic sensing with mechanical indication.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical cable can be connected before fluid coupling is secured, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking feature prevents the electrical cable from being connected until the latch mechanism secures the fluid coupling assembly. This preliminary prevention action ensures that fluid connections are established before electrical connections are made, eliminating the risk of fluid leakage while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical design enforces a predetermined sequence where fluid connection must be completed before electrical connection can proceed. The blocking feature automatically implements this preliminary action, ensuring safe assembly without requiring operator training or complex control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inkjet printing system includes a fluid coupling assembly for supplying fluid to a jetting module. The jetting module includes an electrical connector adapted to connect with a corresponding electrical cable, and a jetting module attachment face with a jetting module fluid port. The fluid coupling assembly includes a coupling assembly attachment face with a coupling assembly fluid port in a position corresponding to the jetting module fluid port. A latch mechanism on the fluid coupling assembly includes a latch handle and a latch fastener adapted to engage with a latch keeper on the jetting module. When the latch handle is in a first disengaged position the latch mechanism blocks the electrical connector, and when the latch handle is in a second engaged position the latch fastener engages the latch keeper to secure the fluid coupling assembly to the jetting module.