Leveling Section in Liquid Ejecting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in efficiently leveling a medium after pretreatment liquid application without increasing the apparatus size, as they typically require separate sections for pretreatment, image formation, and leveling, which can lead to size increments and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a leveling section within the holding section of the liquid ejecting apparatus, allowing the medium to be leveled efficiently during reciprocating movements, with multiple leveling sections on either side of the ejecting section, and configuring the movement to prevent interference and ensure effective leveling without disrupting image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sections for pretreatment, image formation, and leveling are used, then each function can be performed independently, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling section with the image forming ejecting section by providing the leveling section in the holding section that holds the ejecting section. This integration allows both functions to share the same spatial structure, reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining functional capabilities through coordinated operation during reciprocating movements
2Productivity
If multiple leveling sections are provided on either side of the ejecting section, then leveling efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling section is divided into multiple independent leveling units that can be provided on either side of the ejecting section. Each leveling unit operates independently during reciprocating movements, allowing parallel leveling actions that increase efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
3Volume of moving object
If the leveling section is integrated within the holding section, then apparatus size is reduced, but interference during image formation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling section is configured to operate dynamically during reciprocating movements of the holding section. By coordinating the timing and position of leveling actions with the reciprocating cycle, the system integrates leveling functionality without creating interference during image formation, as the leveling section moves with the ejecting section in a controlled manner
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a supporting section configured to support a medium; a first ejecting section capable of ejecting a pretreatment liquid onto the medium supported by the supporting section; a first holding section configured to hold the first ejecting section; and a leveling section provided on the first holding section and being capable of moving between a leveling position in contact with an ejection region to which the pretreatment liquid is ejected and a non-leveling position in non-contact with the ejection region of the medium. The liquid ejecting apparatus with such a configuration levels the medium, onto which the pretreatment liquid is applied, in an efficient manner.