Print Head Capping Device with Segmented Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print head capping devices face challenges in achieving a reliable seal due to manufacturing imperfections, such as curvature, which can lead to leaks and reduced lifespan, especially in larger print heads like those used in page width printers.
Innovation Solution
A capping device with a cap mount having two movable portions that can adjust along the z-direction, allowing the cap to conform to the print head surface, compensating for curvature and ensuring a tight seal by using resilient members and hinges to accommodate manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single rigid cap mount is used to hold the cap, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cap cannot compensate for curvature or bowing in the print head surface, resulting in seal leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The cap mount is divided into multiple segments or portions that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion to adapt to local variations in the print head surface curvature, enabling the cap to maintain contact and seal reliability across the entire print head surface even when the surface is bowed or curved.
2Area of stationary object
If the print head is manufactured with larger dimensions (e.g., page width print head), then the printing coverage is increased, but manufacturing imperfections cause excessive curvature that the cap material compliance cannot compensate, leading to seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cap mount structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow movement and adjustment. The multiple portions of the cap mount can move relative to each other to accommodate curvature variations in larger print heads, maintaining seal integrity across extended surfaces where rigid structures would fail due to manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cap material is made more compliant to accommodate curvature, then the seal can adapt to bowed surfaces, but the structural strength and stability of the cap assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cap mount into multiple portions, each segment can be made sufficiently compliant to adapt to local surface curvature, while the overall assembly maintains structural strength through the coordinated movement and support of multiple segments. This distributes the compliance requirement across several smaller elements rather than requiring one large highly-compliant structure.
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 effectively compensates for surface irregularities, ensuring a reliable vapor-tight seal around the nozzles, extending the life and reliability of print heads by allowing the cap to adapt to both bowed and recessed surfaces, thereby preventing vapor transmission and clogging.
Implementation Method 1
The cap mount is provided with two portions that are moveable with respect to each other
Implementation Method 2
using resilient members and hinges to accommodate manufacturing tolerances
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~6
AI summary
A print head capping device includes a flexible cap configured to engage with a print head, and a cap mount including a first portion and a second portion. The cap is mounted to the first portion and to the second portion. The first portion of the cap mount and the second portion of the cap mount are moveable with respect to each other.