Liquid Discharge Maintenance Mechanism Guide Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in smoothly moving maintenance mechanisms due to the need for curved or bent guide members, which can complicate the movement route and hinder efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a maintenance mechanism that includes a cap for covering nozzles, supported by first and second guide mechanisms, allowing for relative movement between these mechanisms to facilitate smooth movement without the need for curving or bending, ensuring the maintenance mechanism can be moved between waiting and maintenance positions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one guide member is used to extend from waiting position to maintenance position, then the structure is simple, but the guide member must be curved or bent which complicates the movement route
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the guide function into two separate support mechanisms (first support mechanism with first guide and second support mechanism with second guide) instead of using one continuous guide member. This segmentation allows each guide to be straight and simple while collectively providing the complete movement path from waiting position to maintenance position, eliminating the need for curved or bent guide members.
2Ease of operation
If the support mechanisms are arranged to allow maintenance mechanism movement, then movement is enabled, but the arrangement of parts prevents straight movement routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional straight guide member to a two-dimensional coordinated movement system. The maintenance mechanism moves along the first guide in one dimension, then transitions to the second guide in another dimension. This dimensional change allows both guides to be straight while collectively forming the complete movement path, solving the conflict between straight guides and part arrangement constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus is provided, which comprises a head, a maintenance mechanism which has a cap and which is movable to a maintenance position and a waiting position, a first support mechanism which supports the maintenance mechanism disposed at the maintenance position, and a second support mechanism which supports the maintenance mechanism disposed at the waiting position. One of the first and second support mechanisms is relatively movable to a first position and a second position with respect to the other. When the one of them is disposed at the first position, both of them is configured to support the maintenance mechanism simultaneously. When the one of them is disposed at the second position, the other of them is separated away from the maintenance mechanism.