Print Head Alignment via Self-Positioning Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for arranging print heads in inkjet printers are cumbersome and bulky, especially when multiple print heads need to be individually aligned, which complicates the process and prevents the device from being compact.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sub-unit and main unit configuration that allows for easy alignment of print heads using a connecting member and urging member system, where the sub-frame moves relative to the main frame, causing the connecting member to deform and exert force, ensuring the print head is securely positioned in a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an adjustment mechanism is used to position the print head, then the print head can be aligned with the nozzle face in parallel to a certain plane, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex adjustment mechanism entirely and replaces it with a self-aligning support part that has a specific geometric shape. The support part extracts only the essential function of positioning while eliminating the bulky adjustment components, achieving alignment through the inherent geometry of the support structure rather than active adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support part is designed to automatically align and position the print head without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The specific geometric shape of the support part enables self-alignment, where the print head naturally assumes the correct position when placed on the support part, eliminating the need for complex adjustment devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If an adjustment mechanism is used to position the print head, then the print head can be aligned with the nozzle face in parallel to a certain plane, but the device becomes cumbersome and prevents compact form
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is completely removed from the design, extracting only the essential positioning function and implementing it through a compact support part with specific geometry. This eliminates the volume occupied by adjustment mechanisms while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active adjustment mechanism to move the print head into position, the invention inverts the approach by designing a support part that passively defines the correct position through its geometry. The print head is positioned by the support structure rather than by active adjustment, achieving compactness while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual adjustment is performed for each print head, then each print head can be precisely positioned, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is pre-designed with specific geometry that encodes the correct positioning information. This preliminary design of the support structure eliminates the need for time-consuming individual adjustment of each print head, as the correct position is built into the support part's geometry from the beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
Each print head automatically achieves precise positioning through its interaction with the support part's geometric features. The support part serves itself to position multiple print heads without requiring individual adjustment operations, significantly reducing the time and complexity of the positioning process.
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
Enables easy and secure positioning of print heads, allowing for a compact device design that simplifies the alignment process, especially after print head replacement, while maintaining precise alignment with the print medium.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting member to move relative to the sub-frame, which causes the urging member to elastically deform, and exert a force onto each of the sub-frame and the connecting member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A device for arranging a print head in a certain position includes a main unit comprising a main frame providing a primary abutting part and a support part; a sub-unit comprising a sub-frame providing a secondary abutting part, a connecting member movable relative to the sub-frame between a first position and a second position, and an urging member for urging the connecting member from the second position towards the first position, and a print head connectable to the connecting member to form a sub-assembly with the sub-unit, wherein the main unit is configured to accommodate a sub-assembly formed by the sub-unit and the print head in a preliminary position in which, with the connecting member in the first position, the print head contacts the support part, and the secondary abutting part is spaced apart from the primary abutting part. The support part is configured to mate with the print head to prevent lateral displacement of the print head relative to the main frame, and the sub-frame is movable relative to the main frame from the preliminary position towards a final position against a force exerted onto the sub-frame by the urging member while the connecting member moves from the first position towards the second position against a force exerted onto the connecting member by the urging member, under the influence of a force exerted onto the print head by the support part, wherein in the final position, the secondary abutting part abuts the primary abutting part.