Modular Print Engine Chassis Design for Printhead Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-cost, modular, and cost-effective print engine for digital inkjet presses that can efficiently handle short-run print jobs and meet the demands of common printing widths, such as A4 width digital presses, while minimizing development costs for OEMs.
Innovation Solution
A print engine design featuring a media support chassis with guide rollers defining a curved media feed path, a maintenance chassis with pivot and lift mechanisms for easy access and module positioning, and a print bar chassis with scissor lift for radial motion of print modules, along with spittoons and maintenance modules for ink management and printhead maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular print engine design is used to reduce development costs and enable quick commercialization, then adaptability and ease of manufacture are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple chassis and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The print engine is divided into separate modular components including a media support chassis, maintenance chassis, and print bar chassis. Each chassis can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced development costs while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance chassis is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for maintenance modules, enables access to printheads through pivoting motion, and facilitates cleaning operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple maintenance modules are integrated into the maintenance chassis for comprehensive printhead maintenance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Maintenance functions are segmented into separate modular units (maintenance modules) that can be independently manufactured and tested. Each module handles specific maintenance tasks such as cleaning or alignment, making the overall system more reliable while simplifying manufacturing through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple maintenance modules are combined within a single maintenance chassis that pivots as one unit. This integration allows comprehensive maintenance capabilities while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design, as each module can be produced separately and then assembled into the chassis.
3Ease of operation
If a pivot mechanism is used to open the maintenance chassis for easy access to printheads, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance chassis transitions from a fixed position to a movable pivoting structure, allowing dynamic adjustment between closed (operational) and open (maintenance) positions. This dynamic design improves ease of operation while the pivot mechanism itself remains a relatively simple mechanical joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed media support chassis and the movable maintenance chassis, enabling smooth transition between operational and maintenance states without requiring complex actuators or control systems.
4Ease of operation
If a lift mechanism is used to raise and lower the print bar chassis for maintenance access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The print bar chassis is designed to move vertically through a lift mechanism, transitioning between a lowered maintenance position and an elevated printing position. This dynamic positioning enables easy access to printheads during maintenance while keeping the system relatively simple through straightforward mechanical lifting action.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing a printhead cartridge from a print module includes the steps of: rotating a first wing lever to effect linear sliding movement of a first ink coupling of the print module away from the printhead cartridge; rotating a second wing lever to effect linear sliding movement of a second ink coupling of the print module away from the printhead cartridge; and removing the printhead cartridge from the print module. The first and second wing levers each has an axis of rotation perpendicular to a direction of linear sliding movement of the first and second ink couplings.