Liquid Discharge Head Angle Adjuster Fulcrum Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge head angle adjusters face accuracy issues due to the displacement of the center of gravity outside the rotation shaft, leading to degraded adjustment accuracy when attempting to adjust the inclination angles of liquid discharge heads relative to a drum-shaped member.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a liquid discharge head angle adjuster with a V roller, pressing flat roller, and adjustment roller configuration, where the V roller and V rail function as a fulcrum, and the pressing flat roller prevents the fulcrum from being lifted by the center of gravity displacement, ensuring accurate angle adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the liquid discharge head array is disposed radially along the outer circumference of the drum-shaped member, then the liquid discharge heads can be positioned along the conveyance direction of the medium, but the center of gravity of the liquid discharge head array is displaced outside the rotation shaft, causing the support to not function as a fulcrum and degrading adjustment accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning of liquid discharge heads along conveyance directionVSAvoidangle adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid discharge head array is divided into multiple independent liquid discharge heads that can be individually adjusted. Each liquid discharge head is supported separately by supports (V rollers) that can function as independent fulcrums, allowing individual angle adjustment without being affected by the overall center of gravity displacement of the entire array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pressing flat roller is introduced as an intermediary component to press the liquid discharge head array downward, preventing the fulcrum from being lifted due to center of gravity displacement. This intermediary component transmits the pressing force to maintain proper fulcrum function and ensure accurate angle adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the member for controlling the liquid discharge head operation is fixed to a position opposite the fixation position in the longitudinal direction, then the control structure is simplified, but the center of gravity is provided outside the rotation shaft, preventing the support from functioning as a fulcrum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol member fixation structureVSAvoidangle adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing flat roller applies a preliminary pressing force in the downward direction to counteract the lifting moment caused by center of gravity displacement. This preliminary anti-action prevents the fulcrum from losing contact with the liquid discharge head array, ensuring that angle adjustment can proceed with accurate fulcrum function despite the unfavorable center of gravity position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of manufacture

If the center of gravity is displaced toward one side of the long member, then the structural configuration is simplified, but the support does not function as a fulcrum during angle adjustment, degrading adjustment accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural configurationVSAvoidangle adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing flat roller acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that applies downward force to counteract the unbalanced moment caused by center of gravity displacement. This creates a counter-moment that ensures the fulcrum maintains proper contact and function during angle adjustment, compensating for the unfavorable center of gravity position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 configuration enhances the accuracy of liquid discharge head angle adjustments by maintaining the center of gravity within the support range, preventing rotational moments that degrade adjustment precision and ensuring precise orientation of discharge heads.

Implementation Method 1

the V roller and V rail that function as a fulcrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFulcrum: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the pressing flat roller prevents the fulcrum from being lifted by the center of gravity displacement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4124460B1Liquid discharge head angle adjuster, liquid discharge module, and liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

A liquid discharge head angle adjuster (500) for individually adjusting inclination angles of a plurality of liquid discharge heads (101) includes a plurality of array members (120) and a plurality of array supports (110). The array members hold the liquid discharge heads. The array supports support the array members. At least one of the array supports includes a first support (111), a second support (112), and a pressing member (114). The first support is disposed on one side in a direction in which one of the liquid discharge heads is rotated when an inclination angle of the one of the liquid discharge heads is adjusted. The first support supports a rotation fulcrum of one of the array members. The second support is disposed on a side opposite the first support, and supports another of the array members. The pressing member presses the rotation fulcrum against the first support.