Liquid Discharge Apparatus Head Unit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, have limited versatility due to the need for different head units for various printer models, as they can only combine head units of the same length, restricting the flexibility in achieving desired print widths.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a combination of first and second head units with varying section lengths and nozzle arrangements, allowing for adjustable print widths by changing the number of each type of head unit, thereby increasing versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple head units of the same configuration are combined, then the head module length becomes an integral multiple of each head unit length, but the versatility for different printer models is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head unit is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) with different widths, where the first section has a greater width than the second and third sections. This segmentation allows the head unit to be configured in different patterns (first pattern with heads across sections, second pattern with heads only in first section) to achieve various print widths while maintaining a single head unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The head unit configuration is made dynamic by allowing different operational patterns (first pattern and second pattern) for the same head unit structure. The controller can selectively activate different head groups based on the required print width, enabling the head unit to adapt to different printer models without physical modification.
2Manufacturing precision
If different head units are used for each printer model, then the desired print width can be achieved, but the versatility and interchangeability of head units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single head unit design serves multiple functions by supporting different operational patterns. The head unit can operate in a first pattern where heads span across multiple sections, or in a second pattern where heads are confined to the first section, allowing the same head unit to be used across different printer models with varying print width requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective print width parameter is changed by altering the operational pattern rather than the physical head unit structure. By controlling which heads are active and how they are positioned relative to the sections, the system achieves different print widths using the same head unit hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If head units are arranged to achieve specific print widths, then the print quality can be optimized, but the temperature differences between heads may cause image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the head unit are designed with different widths to create local quality variations. The first section has a greater width and can accommodate heads that operate differently from heads in the second and third sections. This local differentiation allows optimization of temperature distribution and image quality for specific printing scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
a≥b≥0, p≥1, q≥1, where a is a number of pairs each consisting of two adjacent first head units, b is a number of pairs each consisting of two adjacent second head units, p is a number of first head units, and q is a number of second head units.