Printer Liquid Discharge Head Arm for Jig-Free Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge devices require cumbersome manual handling to secure the head to the base frame, necessitating the use of jigs to prevent movement during fixation.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge device with an arm that moves between fixed and released positions, allowing easy attachment and detachment of the head by rotating around a shaft, utilizing pressing portions to secure the head in multiple directions, and incorporating an elastic member to prevent cap detachment during nozzle coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the head is fixed to the base frame using a screw with a jig to prevent movement, then the head can be securely fixed, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixation of headVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The arm mechanism automatically performs the fixation function when moved to the fixed position. The pressing portions on the arm directly engage with the head, eliminating the need for manual positioning with a jig and screw fixation, thereby achieving secure fixation through self-service operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the head fixation. By moving the arm to the fixed position, the pressing portions mediate the fixation process, simplifying the operation while ensuring reliable securing of the head to the mounting portion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple pressing portions are provided on the arm to fix the head in multiple directions, then the head can be securely fixed in all directions, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-directional fixationVSAvoidarm structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed with multiple pressing portions that can simultaneously perform multiple fixation functions in different directions. This multi-functional design allows a single arm structure to achieve secure fixation in the first direction, second direction, and third direction without requiring separate fixation mechanisms for each direction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple fixation functions are merged into a single arm structure. The pressing portions are integrated into the arm body, combining what would otherwise be separate fixation elements into one unified component, thereby achieving multi-directional fixation while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the arm is made movable to enable easy attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of fixation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment and detachment easeVSAvoidfixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed as a movable component that can dynamically transition between the fixed position (for secure fixation) and the released position (for easy detachment). This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between requiring high stability during operation and requiring ease of access for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between fixation reliability and operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates simple and efficient fixation of the head to the mounting portion, reducing interference and enabling easy maintenance, while ensuring secure cap attachment and cable management.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member configured to urge the cap in one direction in the third direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3878656B1Liquid discharge device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP3878656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878656B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878656B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printer is provided with a mounting portion (61) and an arm (71). A head (31) is mounted on the mounting portion (61). The head (31) discharges a liquid. The arm (71) can move between a fixed position and a released position. In the fixed position, the arm (71) fixes the head (31) mounted on the mounting portion (61) to the mounting portion (61) in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. In the released state, the arm (71) unfixes the head (31) from the mounting portion (61). Reference drawing: