Print Head Mounting Assembly With Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing print head mounting and positioning mechanisms in printers are cumbersome and require significant time and technical expertise for accurate positioning, especially when dealing with large arrays of print heads, leading to accessibility issues and increased replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A print head mounting assembly with a first clamping mechanism for positioning in one direction and a second clamping mechanism for positioning in a perpendicular direction, featuring an adjustment mechanism and a release mechanism that simplifies the adjustment process by reducing static friction, allowing for easier alignment and repositioning of print heads without requiring a service technician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reference surface and spring loaded element are used to clamp the print head, then positioning accuracy in the first direction is improved, but friction increases making adjustment in the second direction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is activated before adjustment to preliminarily reduce the clamping force and static friction, making the subsequent adjustment operation easier. After adjustment, the release mechanism is deactivated to restore the clamping force for secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force is made dynamic rather than static by introducing a release mechanism that can temporarily reduce the spring load. This allows the system to transition between a high-friction state (for secure positioning) and a low-friction state (for easy adjustment).
2Productivity
If multiple print heads are arranged in rows and columns, then productivity is improved, but accessibility to positioning mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is combined with the adjustment mechanism so that a single operation (activating the release mechanism) performs the function of reducing friction before adjustment. This integration simplifies the overall operation and improves accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism serves multiple functions: it reduces static friction to enable adjustment, and it ensures secure clamping after adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed and simplifies the user interface.
3Reliability
If a service technician is required to replace defective print heads, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-servicing by enabling end-users to perform print head replacement and adjustment without requiring specialized service technicians. The release mechanism makes the positioning adjustment simple enough for non-experts to perform correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into independent adjustable components that can be individually accessed and modified. This modularity allows for quick replacement and adjustment of individual print heads without affecting the entire array.
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 significantly simplifies the adjustment and positioning of print heads, reducing the risk of errors and increasing efficiency by allowing non-technical personnel to perform adjustments, thereby reducing costs and improving accessibility in complex print head arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded element engaging with a first outer surface of the print head for exerting a spring load such to press a second outer surface of the print head against the reference surface
Implementation Method 2
A friction resulting from the clamping in the first direction counteracts a movement in the second direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
Print head mounting assembly for mounting and positioning an inkjet print head on a print head support structure. The print head mounting assembly comprises a first clamping mechanism for clamping the inkjet print head in a first direction and a second clamping mechanism for clamping the inkjet print head in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In order to ease adjustment of the position of the print head, the second clamping mechanism comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the print head in the second direction and a release mechanism for releasing the first clamping mechanism, the release mechanism being arranged that the release mechanism is to be operated for operating the adjustment mechanism.