Liquid Discharge Carriage Contact Sensing for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses risk damage to the liquid discharge unit when moving relative to an object due to potential collisions, especially when dealing with complex surfaces like vehicles or aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A contact detection unit is detachably attached to the carriage, comprising a first detector and a second detector, which work together to detect the position and presence of collision objects, preventing damage by adjusting the movement path of the carriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the carriage moves relative to the object for liquid discharge, then productivity and manufacturing capability are improved, but the risk of collision damage to the liquid discharge unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact detection unit is attached to the carriage before operation to detect potential collision objects in advance. The detection unit includes sensors that scan the surface ahead of the carriage, identifying protrusions or irregularities before the carriage reaches them, allowing the control unit to adjust the movement path proactively and prevent collision damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact detection unit provides real-time feedback to the control unit about the surface conditions and potential collision risks. The detection unit continuously monitors the area around the carriage, and when a collision object is detected, the control unit receives this information and immediately adjusts the carriage movement to avoid damage, creating a closed-loop safety system.
2Reliability
If a contact detection unit is attached to the carriage to detect collision objects, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact detection unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects collision objects, determines their positions, and provides information for path adjustment. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated unit that can be detachably attached to the carriage, the system achieves reliable protection without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component handles multiple safety-related tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact detection unit is designed as a detachable, potentially replaceable component rather than a permanent integrated part of the carriage. This allows the detection unit to be removed, replaced, or maintained independently without affecting the entire liquid discharge apparatus, reducing the overall system complexity and making the safety feature more manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus (1000) includes a liquid discharge unit (70) and a contact detection unit (200). The liquid discharge unit (70) has a liquid discharge port (302) from which a liquid is discharged toward an object (100). The liquid discharge unit (70) is movable along at least one of a first axis and a second axis intersecting the first axis and movable along a third axis intersecting the first axis and the second axis. The third axis is parallel to a direction in which the liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge port (302) toward the object (100). The contact detection unit (200) detects contact of the liquid discharge unit (70) with the object (100). The contact detection unit (200) is detachably attached to the liquid discharge unit (70).