Orientation-Agnostic Inkjet Print Module Arrays With Reversible Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet print modules require different mechanical designs for 'forwards' and 'backwards' orientations, and swapping printheads between modules is not possible without risk of mixing ink colors.
Innovation Solution
Inkjet print modules with printheads having 180-degree rotational symmetry and configurable cradles for receiving printheads in either orientation, along with invertible data signal distribution and reversible ink connections, allowing printheads to be swapped between modules without mechanical adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If print modules are positioned in overlapping arrangement to increase printable width, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring different mechanical designs for forwards and backwards orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is designed with asymmetric features including a fixed keying feature and a configurable key slot assembly. This asymmetry enables the printhead to be securely mounted in either forwards or backwards orientation by reconfiguring the key slot assembly, eliminating the need for different mechanical designs and reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The key slot assembly is made configurable to adapt between different orientations. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the same printhead to function in both forwards and backwards positions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining mechanical design consistency and supporting multiple orientations for increased printable width
2Manufacturing precision
If printheads are placed as closely together to minimize alignment errors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring different mechanical designs for overlapping modules
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric keying feature and configurable key slot assembly enable precise alignment of closely positioned printheads in overlapping arrangements. The keying mechanism ensures correct orientation while the reconfigurable key slot allows the same design to accommodate both forwards and backwards orientations, maintaining manufacturing precision without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The printhead design with configurable key slot assembly serves multiple functions: it provides precise alignment for closely spaced printheads and accommodates both forwards and backwards orientations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different mechanical designs, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and design complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If cradle is made configurable to receive printhead in either orientation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry and data path inversion
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is designed to dynamically invert data signal distribution between first and second data paths based on the printhead orientation. This dynamic adaptation, controlled by a switchable mechanism, enables the cradle to receive printheads in either orientation while managing the increased complexity through systematic signal routing
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry with invertible data paths serves multiple functions: it distributes data signals to the printhead and adapts the signal distribution pattern based on orientation. This multi-functionality, combined with the configurable key slot assembly, provides comprehensive adaptability while managing complexity through integrated control
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An inkjet print module includes: a printhead having first and second rows of print chips, the printhead having 180 degree rotational symmetry about a print axis parallel to a direction of droplet ejection; a cradle for removably receiving the printhead; and control circuitry for distributing data signals to the printhead via first and second data paths of the inkjet print module. The cradle is configurable for receiving the printhead in first and second printhead orientations relative to the print module, the second printhead orientation being rotated 180 degrees about the print axis relative to the first printhead orientation. The control circuitry is configurable to invert distribution of the data signals between the first and second data paths.