Print Head Adjustment Actuator Merging for Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems with adjustable print heads are bulky, expensive, and require complex motor systems, making them inefficient and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A printing system with fewer adjustment actuators than print heads, utilizing an auxiliary device for actuator connection management and optical means for automated adjustment using test patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a motor-driven device is used for adjusting each print head individually, then the correct adjustment of print heads is achieved, but the construction becomes complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple print heads are connected to a single adjustment actuator through a common connection element (print bar), merging the adjustment function for multiple print heads into one actuator. This reduces the number of actuators from N (one per print head) to 1, significantly simplifying the construction while maintaining adjustment precision through the shared mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustment actuator serves multiple print heads simultaneously, making it a multi-functional component. The connection element acts as a universal interface that allows one actuator to adjust multiple print heads, reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Manufacturing precision
If individual motors are assigned to each print head, then precise adjustment is possible, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function for multiple print heads is merged into a single actuator system, reducing the total number of motors required. This directly lowers the system cost while maintaining precision through the rigid mechanical connection of the print bar that ensures synchronized positioning of all connected print heads
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment motion from a single actuator is copied to multiple print heads through the mechanical connection element. The print bar acts as a motion transmission medium that replicates the adjustment movement from one actuator to multiple print heads, achieving precise positioning without requiring individual motors for each head
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for adjusting multiple print heads, then each head can be adjusted independently, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment capability for multiple print heads is merged into a single compact actuator system. The print bar serves as a space-efficient connection element that transmits adjustment motion to multiple heads without requiring separate actuators, thereby reducing system volume while maintaining the ability to adjust each head independently through the shared mechanical linkage
Data Source
AI summary
Printing system including at least a first and a second print head in which the printing system is configured in such a way that the first and second print heads can be adjusted actuator-based with respect to a printing medium by positioning and orienting using an adjustment actuator. The printing system includes at least one adjustment actuator less than the number of print heads provided in the printing system, and an auxiliary device is provided in the printing system such that with the aid thereof an operative connection of the at least one adjustment actuator with the first print head can be released and/or created, and an operative connection with the second print head can be created and/or released, preferably also actuator-based or in a pneumatic and actuator-based manner, and particularly preferably automatically.