Print Head Beam Vibration Control Using Active Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations in print head support members of large format printing systems negatively impact image quality, and existing solutions to mitigate these vibrations often increase system complexity and cost by adjusting the stiffness and mass of the beam.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a vibration sensor to detect vibrations in the print head support member and an actuator to transfer vibrational energy to a vibration absorption body, with a control loop adjusting the force applied to dampen vibrations continuously, allowing for effective vibration reduction without significant adjustments to the print head support member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the stiffness and mass of the beam are adjusted to reduce vibrations, then vibration levels decrease, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration absorption body as an intermediary element that couples to the print head support beam. This separate vibration absorption system allows vibration reduction without modifying the beam's structural properties, thus avoiding increased device complexity while effectively reducing harmful vibrations through the intermediary vibration absorption mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of adjusting beam stiffness and mass with an active vibration control system using sensors and actuators. This substitution transforms the passive structural modification into an active control system that uses feedback to counteract vibrations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining vibration reduction effectiveness
2Manufacturing precision
If the beam structure is modified to reduce vibrations, then image quality improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration absorption body serves as an intermediary that addresses vibration-induced image quality issues without requiring complex modifications to the beam structure. This separate component can be manufactured and integrated independently, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control system where sensors detect vibrations and actuators apply counteracting forces in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of vibrations to maintain image quality without requiring expensive, complex beam modifications, as the system dynamically adjusts to compensate for vibrations during operation
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 approach reduces vibrations in the print head support member, thereby improving image quality without increasing system complexity or cost, by continuously sensing and adjusting the force applied to transfer vibrational energy to a vibration absorption body, ensuring efficient dampening of vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
controlling an actuator based on the sensed vibration to exert a force on the print head support member to dampen the vibration in the print head support member by at least partially transferring the vibration in the print head support member to a vibration absorption body
Implementation Method 2
detecting the vibration in the print head support member by means of a sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention seeks to improve print image quality by reducing vibrations of a first beam (37, 37') extending over a medium support surface (40, 40') and moveably supporting a print head carriage (32, 32'). A vibration sensor (55, 55') is provided for detecting a vibration in the first beam (37, 37'). An actuator (50, 50') is positioned between the first beam (37, 37') and a vibration absorption body (39, 39'). A controller is configured to receive data from the vibration sensor (55, 55') and to control the actuator (50, 50') to at least partially transfer the vibration from the first beam (37, 37') to the vibration absorption body (39, 39').