Liquid Application Head Cleaning With Sliding Plate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet and image forming apparatuses require manual adjustment of the cleaning mechanism position relative to the discharge head when the relative position changes, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A liquid application apparatus with a movable carriage and a sliding plate mechanism that automatically adjusts the position of the discharge head relative to the cleaning mechanism, ensuring proper alignment with the cleaner, even when positional changes occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of cleaning mechanism position is used, then flexibility in position adjustment is achieved, but cleaning alignment precision deteriorates and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage automatically performs positioning adjustments through the guide mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The guide structure enables the carriage to self-align with the cleaning mechanism by sliding along the guide surface, achieving both ease of operation and precise alignment simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static manual adjustment mechanism to a dynamic automatic positioning system. The guide mechanism allows the carriage to move and self-adjust its position dynamically during operation, maintaining precise alignment while providing operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of cleaning mechanism position is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage automatically performs positioning adjustments through the guide mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The guide structure enables the carriage to self-align with the cleaning mechanism by sliding along the guide surface, achieving both ease of operation and precise alignment simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism provides continuous geometric feedback that ensures the carriage remains properly aligned with the cleaning mechanism. The physical constraint of the guide structure automatically corrects positioning errors, ensuring reliable cleaning effectiveness while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic positioning mechanism is added, then cleaning alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the carriage and the cleaning mechanism. This simple guide structure mediates the positioning relationship, providing precise alignment without requiring complex active control systems or multiple actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent movements: horizontal movement along the guide surface and vertical movement for cleaning. This segmentation allows each movement to be optimized independently, achieving precise positioning through a relatively simple guide structure rather than a complex integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid application apparatus includes a body; a head in the body, the head to discharge a liquid from a nozzle; a carriage movable between a first position and a second position; a base; a plate slidable on a horizontal plane; a cap on the plate, the cap to cap the nozzle of the head; a first mover to move the carriage, to the first position above the cap, on the horizontal plane; a second mover to move the carriage to the cap in a vertical direction; a cleaner on the plate, the cleaner to discharge a cleaning liquid onto the nozzles at the second position; and a guide to slide the plate relative to the base on the horizontal plane to guide the cap to the carriage at the first position when the second mover moves the carriage to the cap in the vertical direction.