Print Head Control Assembly Attachment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing attachment methods for control assemblies to print heads in printing devices are inefficient and time-consuming, leading to long electrical lines that are prone to interference and limiting flexibility in adapting the number of print heads and print width.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated control assembly is attached directly to each print head using an attachment device with a carrier plate and a support body featuring a groove and latch mechanism, allowing for a stable and toolless installation, reducing electrical line length and enabling flexible adaptation of print head configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control assemblies are installed at print heads using existing attachment methods, then the control assemblies can be supplied with electrical power and controlled, but the installation time is relatively high and the electrical lines become long and prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into distinct functional segments: a carrier plate for the control assembly, a support body with groove for positioning, and a latch mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates rapid assembly by simply engaging the segments together without complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device acts as an intermediary component between the control assembly and the print head. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, enabling quick attachment and detachment while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections without requiring long electrical lines.
2Ease of operation
If control assemblies are installed at print heads using existing attachment methods, then the control assemblies can be controlled, but the electrical lines become long and are prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates electrical contacts that extend vertically from the carrier plate into the print head groove, changing the dimensional arrangement of electrical connections from horizontal (long lines) to vertical (short lines). This dimensional change reduces the length of electrical lines and minimizes their exposure to electromagnetic interference while maintaining ease of connection.
3Productivity
If control assemblies are installed at print heads, then the printing device can function, but the number of print heads and print width cannot be easily adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device employs a dynamic latch mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing the control assembly to be quickly attached or detached from the print head. This dynamic connection enables flexible reconfiguration of the printing device, allowing the number of print heads and overall print width to be adapted as needed without permanent installation commitments.
4Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to the attachment device, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple lever motion. When the lever is moved, it automatically engages the latch to secure the carrier plate in the groove. This self-service design provides reliable attachment without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device for attaching an electronic assembly to a base module (e.g. print head) of a printing device can include a carrier plate of the assembly and a support body of the base module that has a groove into which the carrier plate may be inserted and arrested by means of a latch that engages in a recess of the carrier plate. The attachment device advantageously enables an efficient and reliable attachment of the assembly to the base module.