Printer Encoder Strip Mist Protection via Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with mist generated by ink droplets adhering to encoder strips, leading to inaccurate detection of carriage movement and deteriorated printing quality due to contamination, which affects ejection timing and overall printing quality.
Innovation Solution
The printer design includes a frame body with a side wall and upper wall portion that positions the encoder strip outside, blocking mist from adhering to it, and uses fans to discharge mist away from the encoder strip, reducing contamination and maintaining accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the encoder strip is provided at the center of the housing near the guide shaft to improve printing quality, then detection precision is improved, but mist adhesion increases causing contamination and detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder strip is extracted from the center position near the guide shaft and relocated to the outer peripheral position of the housing. This spatial extraction removes the encoder strip from the harmful mist generation zone, preventing adhesion while maintaining detection functionality through the transparent housing wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent housing wall acts as an intermediary medium between the mist generation zone and the encoder strip. The optical detection signal passes through this intermediary (the housing wall) to reach the encoder strip, which remains protected from direct mist exposure while still enabling precise position detection.
2Reliability
If a cover member is added to protect the encoder strip from mist adhesion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the guide shaft and rail member, contains the printing operation space, and acts as a protective barrier for the encoder strip. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cover members while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder strip position parameter is changed from center to outer peripheral, fundamentally altering the spatial relationship between the detection system and mist generation zone. This parameter change provides inherent protection without requiring additional protective components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the encoder strip is positioned at the center near the guide shaft, then manufacturing precision is improved, but mist contamination increases requiring additional protective structures
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder strip is extracted from the high-risk center zone and positioned at the outer periphery where mist concentration is lower. This extraction maintains positioning precision while reducing exposure to harmful ink mist that generates during printing operations.
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
This configuration effectively reduces mist adhesion on the encoder strip and optical sensor, ensuring precise carriage movement and improved printing quality without the need for additional cover members, thereby enhancing the printer's operational efficiency and reducing maintenance frequency.
Implementation Method 1
An optical pattern that can be read by an optical sensor is formed on the encoder strip
Data Source
AI summary
A printer feeds a print medium in a first direction. A carriage reciprocates an ejection portion in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A side wall portion of a frame body has a first surface which is an external surface on a first side of the frame body, extending toward a third direction along liquid ejection. An upper wall of the frame body has a second surface which is an external surface on the first side of the frame body, extending toward the first side from an end portion of the side wall portion on a side of fourth direction opposite to the third direction. An object member having a pattern indicating a position of the carriage in the second direction extends further to the first side than the first surface and further to the third direction side than an opening portion formed on the second surface.