Print Head Connector Assembly with Rotatable Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printers, particularly inkjet printers, face challenges in adapting to changing application requirements due to fixed print head orientations, leading to the need for multiple printers or print heads, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A print head connector assembly that allows for adjustable orientations and configurations through a mechanism with a first component connectable to an umbilical conduit and a second component connectable to the print head, featuring adjustment means and a locking component to secure various rotational relationships, enabling a single print head to be used across multiple applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a print head is mounted with a fixed orientation using standard mounting screw holes, then the print head connection is stable and secure, but the print head cannot be adjusted to different orientations or configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint head orientation adjustabilityVSAvoidconnector assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly incorporates a rotatable joint mechanism that allows the print head to be dynamically adjusted between multiple fixed orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). The rotation mechanism includes engagement features that lock the print head in each orientation position, transforming a static fixed-orientation connection into a dynamically adjustable one while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is divided into separate rotatable components: a first component connecting to the umbilical cable, a second component connecting to the print head, and an intermediate rotatable joint. This segmentation allows independent rotation of components to achieve different print head orientations while maintaining secure connections at each interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different print heads are purchased to accommodate different application requirements, then each application has the correct print head orientation, but the cost and complexity of inventory management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific orientation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of print heads required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate a single print head in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). The rotatable joint with engagement features allows one print head to fulfill the role of multiple orientation-specific print heads, eliminating the need to purchase and manage multiple different print head units for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the print head orientation needs to be changed over time to accommodate changing application requirements, then the printer can adapt to new requirements, but delays occur due to ordering and installing new parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechanging orientation requirementsVSAvoidtime to change parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable joint mechanism enables on-demand orientation changes without requiring new parts. The user can manually rotate the connector assembly to the desired orientation and lock it in place, immediately adapting to changing application requirements. This eliminates the lead time associated with ordering and installing new print heads, reducing downtime to merely the time required to rotate and lock the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the connector assembly allows rotation between components, then adjustable orientations are achieved, but the stability and security of the connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational adjustabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly uses a rotatable joint with positive engagement features (teeth and grooves or detent mechanisms) that allow rotation during adjustment but lock firmly in each orientation position. This provides dynamic adjustability during installation while ensuring static stability and security during operation, preventing unintended rotation while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12138933B2Print head connector assembly

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 VIDEOJET TECH INC

AI summary

There is a print head connector assembly for a printer, the print head connector assembly providing at least one continuous fluid and/or electrical connection between a first port and a second port, the at least one continuous connection being provided by at least one conduit. The print head connector assembly comprises: a first component connectable to an umbilical conduit at the first port; a second component connectable to a print head at the second port, wherein one of the first component and the second component comprises a print head connection axis at the second port and the other of the first component and the second component comprises an axis of rotation, the first component and the second component housing the at least one conduit; adjustment means between the first component and the second component for adjusting the print head connector assembly into a plurality of configurations.