Print Head Support Mechanism for Inkjet Drum Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image recording apparatuses, maintaining a consistent gap between the print head and drum during maintenance is challenging, leading to potential color shifts and quality issues, as existing mechanisms fail to ensure precise alignment before and after maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a support member engaged with the drum's rotation shaft to maintain the head retention member at a prescribed position, utilizing a cam and gear system to adjust the relative position of the print head, ensuring consistent inkjetting and minimizing gap variations between the print head and drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the print head is retracted from the drum for maintenance, then the maintenance unit can be inserted into the space, but the gap between the print head and drum may change, causing color shifts
Solution Approach 1:
A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the print head and the drum. This support member includes a holding portion that contacts the print head and a cam portion that engages with the elevation mechanism, mediating the retraction and return movements to ensure the print head maintains a consistent gap with the drum surface
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is pre-configured with a holding portion positioned to contact the print head at a specific location. Before maintenance begins, this holding portion is already in place to guide the print head's movement, ensuring that when the print head is returned after maintenance, it automatically assumes the correct position relative to the drum
2Manufacturing precision
If the print head is retained by a three points holding mechanism, then the gap between print head and drum is maintained securely, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support member combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the holding function (via the holding portion that contacts the print head), the positioning function (via the cam portion that engages with the elevation mechanism), and the guidance function (by constraining the print head's movement path). This merging eliminates the need for separate three-point holding mechanisms while achieving the same gap consistency
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a rotational drum for retaining a recording medium on an outer circumference of the drum; a head retention member placed opposite to the outer circumference of the drum, for retaining a print head printing on the recording medium by jetting ink from a plurality of nozzles; and a support member for supporting the head retention member at a prescribed position in relation to the drum, the support member being engaged with the rotation shaft of the drum.