Synchronized Locking for Printer Carriage and Gear Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face malfunctions and damage to the transmission-switching mechanism due to vibrations and impacts during transportation, especially when frequent regulation of carriage movement is required, leading to a complex configuration and control method.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a carriage locker and a transmission-switching locker that synchronize movement prevention and switching prevention, respectively, to prevent damage and malfunctions, using a transmission-switching mechanism with a sun gear and planetary gear system and a locking mechanism to control the transmission of driving force between driven units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a transmission-switching mechanism is used to switch between driven units by utilizing carriage movement, then the number of drive sources is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the mechanism becomes vulnerable to malfunction and damage during transportation or under significant vibration and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is activated before transportation or vibration occurs to prevent the transmission-switching mechanism from being in a vulnerable state. The lock lever projects into the carriage movement area in advance, fixing the carriage position and preventing any movement that could cause gear meshing issues or damage during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism applies a counter-action to prevent the harmful effects of vibration and impact on the transmission-switching mechanism. By locking the carriage in place before vibration occurs, the system preemptively counteracts the potential damage from external forces during transportation.
2Reliability
If a lock lever is added to regulate carriage movement, then malfunction and damage to the transmission-switching mechanism are suppressed, but the configuration and control method become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated with the existing transmission-switching mechanism components. The lock lever utilizes the same carriage movement area and coordinates with the existing gear system, merging the locking function with the transmission-switching structure rather than adding a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it prevents carriage movement during transportation, protects the transmission-switching mechanism from vibration damage, and can be integrated with the existing drive source control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If regulation of carriage movement and switching between driven units are performed independently, then each function can be optimized separately, but malfunction and damage can still occur during transportation or under significant vibration and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism combines the regulation of carriage movement and switching prevention into a single synchronized system. When the lock lever is activated, it simultaneously prevents carriage movement and blocking of the transmission-switching mechanism, ensuring both functions are controlled together rather than independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism creates an asymmetric control state where the system is either fully locked (preventing both carriage movement and switching) or fully unlocked (allowing both operations). This asymmetric approach ensures that the carriage cannot move unless the transmission-switching mechanism is also unlocked, preventing mismatched operations during transportation.
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 effectively suppresses malfunctions and damage to the transmission-switching mechanism by synchronizing the prevention and allowance of carriage movement and switching, simplifying the configuration and reducing the number of components, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission-switching mechanism configured to switch between the driven units, including a sun gear and a plurality of planetary gears that orbit the sun gear
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a carriage carrying a recording head and being movably supported, the recording head being configured to eject liquid onto a recording medium, a plurality of driven units to be driven by a drive source that generates a driving force, a transmission-switching mechanism configured to switch between the driven units, a carriage locker configured to prevent and allow movement of the carriage, and a transmission-switching locker configured to prevent and allow switching between the driven units. Movement prevention by the carriage locker and switching prevention by the transmission-switching locker are in synchronicity, and movement allowance by the carriage locker and switching allowance by the transmission-switching locker are in synchronicity.