Line Recording Head Positioning Mechanism for Nozzle Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses with line recording heads face unbalanced nozzle wear due to inconsistent use of sheet widths, leading to imperfect recording as the line recording head's frequency of use is not evenly distributed, causing premature wear and positional misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a displacement mechanism that accurately positions the line recording head in the sheet width direction using a holder with an abutment portion and elastic urging force, ensuring correct alignment and reducing nozzle wear by allowing the head to be displaced and fixed at precise positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the line recording head is displaced in the sheet width direction to reduce nozzle wear, then the uniformity of nozzle use is improved, but the positioning accuracy may deteriorate due to elastic displacement of the recording head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a positioning mechanism before the recording operation begins. The positioning protrusion on the holder and the corresponding positioning groove on the reference portion are pre-configured to ensure accurate positioning is achieved automatically when the holder is displaced to different positions, preventing positioning errors before they can occur during recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism consisting of the positioning protrusion and positioning groove as a mediator between the holder and the reference portion. This intermediary structure ensures that when the holder is displaced by the displacement mechanism, the positioning features automatically engage to maintain accurate positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between displacement capability and positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a rotary motor and endless belt are used to displace the line recording head, then the ease of operation is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to elastic deformation of the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elastic belt component from the displacement mechanism and replaces it with a rigid guiding structure. The guide portion with the guide groove and the corresponding guide protrusion eliminate the elastic deformation issue by providing a rigid mechanical guide, while the rotary motor continues to provide the driving force through the guide mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the elastic belt mechanical transmission system with a rigid guide mechanism consisting of the guide portion and guide groove. This substitution maintains the ease of operation through rotary motor驱动 while eliminating the positioning precision problems caused by elastic deformation, achieving both operational ease and positioning accuracy.
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 enables high-quality image recording over a longer period by reducing nozzle unbalance and maintaining accurate positional alignment, preventing image misalignment and extending the life of recording elements.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion provided between the movable portion and the holder and configured to exert an urging force in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A holder that holds a line recording head is displaced in a sheet width direction against the urging force of an elastic portion to bring an abutment portion of the holder into contact with one of a plurality of positioning surfaces provided at a reference portion of a sheet conveying mechanism. The holder is positioned and fixed to the reference portion, with the urging force exerted thereto.