Printer Carriage Guard for Ink Head Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses lack a clear reference portion for accurate positioning of the ink head and cap, leading to increased component count and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a guard with reference surfaces on the carriage's facing surface to facilitate precise positioning of the ink head and cap, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing assembly accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reference portion is defined on the lower surface of the carriage to enable accurate positioning of the ink head and cap, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference portion is merged with the guard structure on the lower surface of the carriage. The guard, which already exists to prevent paper jams, is designed to include positioning protrusions that serve as reference portions for accurate positioning of the ink head and cap. This integration eliminates the need for separate reference portion components while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard structure is given multiple functions: it prevents paper jams by protruding into the paper path, and simultaneously provides positioning reference surfaces through its positioning protrusions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while achieving both paper jam prevention and accurate positioning goals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various components are provided on the lower surface of the carriage, then functional requirements are met, but the space available for defining a reference portion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lower surface of the carriage is segmented into functional zones: the guard structure occupies one zone and provides positioning reference surfaces through its own geometry, while other components are arranged in different zones. This segmentation allows multiple functions to coexist without interfering with the available space for positioning references.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing reference portions on the horizontal plane of the lower surface where space is limited, the reference portions are implemented as vertical protrusions on the guard structure. This dimensional change utilizes the vertical space that is otherwise unused, effectively increasing the available area for positioning references without adding horizontal space requirements.
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
Enables accurate and reliable positioning of the ink head and cap, minimizing component count and manufacturing costs while ensuring effective cleaning and preventing nozzle clogging.
Implementation Method 1
suck, using a suction pump, for example, a fluid (e.g., ink or air) within an enclosed space defined between the nozzle surface and the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes an ink head, a carriage, and a cap. The ink head includes a nozzle surface provided with a nozzle to discharge ink onto a recording medium. The carriage is equipped with the ink head, and disposed above a platen. The carriage is movable in a main scanning direction. The cap defines an enclosed space between the cap and the nozzle surface when the cap is attached to the ink head. The carriage includes a facing surface facing the platen and a guard provided on the facing surface to protrude downward. The guard is provided with a reference surface that positions the ink head and the cap relative to each other.