Partition Wall Coupling Mechanism for Printer Negative Pressure Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
In recording devices, position errors between the opening/closing member and the driving unit can lead to insufficient transmission of driving force, resulting in incomplete opening or closing of negative pressure chambers, affecting the recording process.
Innovation Solution
A recording device design featuring a partition mechanism with a displaceable partition wall, driven by a separate unit, and a coupling mechanism with a predetermined idle angle, allowing for effective opening and closing of negative pressure chambers, even with positional changes, using a cam and abutting unit to ensure proper alignment and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the driving unit is integrated with the facing unit, then the structure is compact, but position errors cause insufficient transmission of driving force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the driving unit and the partition wall. This coupling includes a cam that converts rotational motion into linear displacement, and a connecting rod that transmits this displacement to the partition wall. The intermediary mechanism decouples the driving unit from the facing unit, allowing independent positioning while ensuring reliable force transmission through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a rotating cam with an asymmetric profile that converts continuous rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion of the partition wall. The cam's varying radius creates different force magnitudes during opening and closing strokes, dynamically adapting the transmission characteristics to compensate for position errors and ensure reliable operation.
2Speed
If the partition wall is directly connected to the driving unit, then the response is fast, but position errors prevent sufficient opening of the negative pressure chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motion parameters through the cam profile design. The cam converts constant rotational speed into variable linear velocity, with the partition wall achieving maximum speed at mid-stroke and decelerating near the extremes. This parameter transformation allows the system to tolerate position errors while maintaining fast response, as the velocity profile compensates for initial positioning inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism performs preliminary motion transformation before the partition wall moves. The cam rotates in advance to build up displacement, and the connecting rod stores elastic energy in its deformation, releasing it to drive the partition wall quickly once the threshold is reached. This preliminary action ensures that even with position errors, the partition wall achieves sufficient opening.
3Reliability
If the driving unit is provided separately from the facing unit, then position errors are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it transmits driving force, transforms motion types (rotational to linear), compensates for position errors, and provides mechanical advantage. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated coupling assembly rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the benefits of separate driving and facing units.
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
This design ensures reliable opening and closing of negative pressure chambers, enhancing the recording process by maintaining efficient suction and preventing excessive load or misalignment, thus improving the overall performance and adaptability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a cam configured to rotate the abutting unit in conjunction with rotation of the driving source and thereby displace the partition wall between the open position and the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a negative pressure chamber provided on an opposite side of the support surface from the recording unit, and a plurality of suction ports provided in the support surface and configured to put the negative pressure chamber and an outside of the support surface in communication with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a recording unit, a platen unit, and a driving unit. The platen unit includes a support surface, a negative pressure chamber, a first suction port, a second suction port, and a third suction port, and a partition mechanism. The partition mechanism includes a shutter member, a lever member, and a coupling unit. The driving unit includes a motor and a cam. The coupling unit couples the shutter member and the lever member with a predetermined idle angle.