Print Head Latching Mechanism for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In page-wide array ink-jet printers, there is a challenge in accurately positioning and securely connecting print heads to the printer bar for reliable inkjet printing, as all sides of the cubic print heads are already utilized for different functions, leaving no obvious space for electronics connections, and ensuring precise three-dimensional and angular positioning, fluid, and electrical connections simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism with mutually engaging datum faces, ramped tracks, and spring-biased mechanical latches ensures accurate positioning, while fluid and electrical connectors, including a PCIe edge connector and check valve, facilitate simultaneous and secure connections between the print head and printer bar, allowing for easy user replacement and maintaining print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all sides of the cubic print head are utilized for different functions, then the print head functionality is maximized, but no space is left for electronics connections
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is hinged to the printer bar in a manner that allows it to move between a retracted position (when open) and a forward position (when closed). This dimensional movement creates temporary space for electrical connector engagement without compromising the compact cubic design of the print head. The latch body moves along a hinge axis perpendicular to the print head engagement direction, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to resolve the two-dimensional space constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a datum face system for positioning, a fluid connector system for ink/air supply, and an electrical connector system for data/power transmission. The latch mechanism coordinates the engagement of these segmented systems in a specific sequence, allowing each to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness.
2Measurement precision
If precise three-dimensional and angular positioning is required, then print accuracy is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mutually engaging datum faces are provided on both the print head and printer bar before the actual connection occurs. These datum faces pre-establish the correct three-dimensional position and angular orientation, so that when the print head is engaged with the printer bar, precise positioning is automatically achieved without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function and the latching function are merged into a single coordinated action. As the latch mechanism closes, it simultaneously secures the print head mechanically and ensures proper alignment through the engaging datum faces, eliminating the need for separate positioning adjustments.
3Reliability
If simultaneous fluid and electrical connections are made, then connection reliability is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism performs a periodic cyclic action that coordinates the engagement of fluid and electrical connectors in a specific sequence. During the closing motion, the latch body first engages the fluid connector, then continues to engage the electrical connector, and finally secures both in the locked position. This periodic action ensures reliable simultaneous connection while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch body acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the print head and printer bar. It provides a floating platform that can move independently to accommodate the engagement of both fluid and electrical connectors, coordinating their simultaneous connection without requiring a complex multi-component mechanism.
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 accurate inkjet positioning and secure connections, reducing maintenance costs and preventing defects in one-pass printing by utilizing the available real estate efficiently, ensuring reliable and easy-to-use connections for both fluid and electrical interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
spring-biased mechanical latches ensures accurate positioning
Implementation Method 2
fluid and electrical connectors, including a PCIe edge connector and check valve
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printer has a print bar system comprising a print bar and a plurality of selectively replaceable print heads attached to the print bar. The system comprises a receptor on the bar, for installation of a print head, each print head having a rear face for insertion in said receptor in a first direction. A latch is provided, pivoted on the bar. The latch has a user-actuatable handle adapted, during a first movement thereof, to engage a latch member of the latch with a catch on the bar to lock the latch in a lockable position on the bar. A platform is mounted on the latch with freedom to move with respect to the latch in said first direction when the latch is in said lockable position. The platform has a latch electrical connector, adapted to engage a head electrical connector on the print head, by mutual movement of the connectors in said first direction. A bias means urges the platform in said first direction. A second movement of the handle releases the platform for movement relative to the latch under the action of the bias means. When the latch is in the lockable position, and the print head is installed in the receptor, the first movement of the handle locks the latch in the lockable position and the second movement of the handle releases the platform so that the bias means presses the platform in said first direction to engage said electrical connectors and urge the print head into secure engagement with the receptor.