Liquid Ejection Head Unit Coupling with Dual-Direction Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with insufficient connector fitting and potential electrical coupling problems due to inadequate fixation of the head unit to the carriage, leading to damage and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A configuration that includes a first and second fixation mechanism to secure the head unit in a specific direction, with connectors fitted in a parallel orientation, ensuring stable power supply and drive signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the head unit is made large-sized to accommodate multiple print heads for high-speed high-definition printing, then printing performance is improved, but connector fitting reliability deteriorates due to insufficient fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: a first fixation mechanism that fixes the head unit in the first direction (normal to first carriage surface), and a second fixation mechanism that fixes the head unit in the second direction (normal to second carriage surface). This segmentation allows each mechanism to specialize in preventing specific types of connector disconnection, thereby improving overall connector fitting reliability while maintaining the large-sized head unit configuration for high-speed printing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fixation in a second direction (normal to second carriage surface) that is orthogonal to the conventional single-direction fixation (normal to first carriage surface). This dimensional expansion of fixation approach comprehensively prevents connector disconnection in multiple directions, solving the reliability issue caused by the large head unit size while maintaining printing performance
2Ease of operation
If the head unit is loosely mounted to facilitate easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but electrical coupling reliability deteriorates due to connector disconnection during carriage movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are pre-positioned on the second carriage surface (which is crossed by the first carriage surface) before the head unit is fully installed. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the head unit is mounted, the connectors are already aligned and ready for engagement, maintaining electrical coupling reliability while allowing for easy installation through the standardized mounting process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions connectors on a second carriage surface that is orthogonal to the first carriage surface, creating a three-dimensional mounting architecture. This spatial arrangement allows the connectors to be accessed and engaged from a different direction than the head unit mounting, facilitating easy installation while ensuring robust electrical coupling that prevents disconnection during carriage movement
3Ease of operation
If the connector is positioned away from the fixation mechanisms to allow easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but connector protection deteriorates due to exposure to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the connectors on the second carriage surface, which is orthogonal to the first carriage surface and crossed by it. This creates a spatial separation where connectors are located in a different plane from the fixation mechanisms, allowing easy access for connection while the orthogonal arrangement naturally protects connectors from mechanical stress during head unit installation and carriage movement
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
Enhances the reliability and stability of the electrical connection between the head unit and carriage, preventing connector damage and ensuring consistent liquid ejection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejection head including a piezoelectric element configured to eject the liquid by application of the drive signal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a carriage and a head unit, wherein the carriage includes a first carriage surface on which the head unit is mounted, a first connector, a second carriage surface provided with the first connector, and a first fixation mechanism, the head unit includes a drive board, a second connector, a liquid ejection head, and a second fixation the mechanism, first fixation mechanism and the second fixation mechanism fix the head unit in a normal direction of the first carriage surface, the first connector and the second connector are fitted to each other in a normal direction of the second carriage surface, and when viewed from a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first connector and the second connector are located between the first fixation mechanism and the second fixation mechanism.