Print Head Capping via Sensor-Triggered Mover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses for applying cosmetic ink to skin surfaces lack efficient mechanisms for automatic capping and protection of the print head, leading to potential drying and improper positioning during non-use, which can result in inconvenient user operations and reduced printing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a detachable stand and a sensor system that automatically moves the print head to a capping position when the apparatus is placed on the stand, using a combination of electromagnetic sensors or barometric pressure sensors to determine proximity, ensuring the print head is protected and aligned for proper capping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the print head remains exposed during non-use, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the cosmetic ink dries and printing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically moving the print head to the capping position before the cosmetic ink can dry. The sensor detects when the apparatus is placed on the stand, and the mover proactively positions the print head to cap the nozzle, preventing drying before it occurs rather than reacting after drying has happened.
Solution Approach 2:
The capping mechanism operates autonomously without manual intervention. The sensor automatically detects the stand placement, triggers the mover to position the print head, and executes the capping action self-service style, eliminating the need for users to manually cap the print head while maintaining reliable protection against drying.
2Ease of operation
If manual capping operation is required, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional user steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual capping operations by implementing automatic detection and execution. The sensor detects when the apparatus is placed on the stand, and the mover automatically moves the print head to the capping position, making the capping process self-service and removing the need for additional user steps while maintaining low operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback about the apparatus's position relative to the stand, triggering the mover to execute the capping action based on this feedback. This closed-loop control system automatically responds to the user's placement action, providing convenient operation without requiring the user to manually control the capping mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If the print head is not automatically positioned, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the apparatus's position on the stand and provides feedback to the control system, which then activates the mover to position the print head with high precision. This feedback-based automatic positioning ensures accurate alignment of the print head with the stand's capping surface, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring complex manual positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electromechanical system. The sensor detects position, and the mover (driven by motor or actuator) automatically positions the print head with high precision, substituting manual mechanical operations with an automated system that achieves better positioning accuracy while managing device complexity through integrated control.
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
The solution ensures the print head is automatically capped and protected, preventing drying and maintaining alignment for precise printing, enhancing user convenience and printing accuracy by avoiding manual intervention in capping operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that at least senses that a distance between the body and the stand is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of electromagnetic sensors or barometric pressure sensors to determine proximity
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a body, a print head, a mover, a stand and a sensor. The body has an opening that faces a printing target during printing. The print head is provided in the body and performs the printing on the printing target. The mover is provided in the body and moves the print head to a first position and a second position. The first position corresponds to the opening, and the second position is different from the first position. The stand is detachable from the body. The sensor at least senses that a distance between the body and the stand is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance. The mover moves the print head from the second position to the first position in response to the sensor sensing that the distance between the body and the stand is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance.