Printer-Plotter Independent Head Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer-plotter devices require large driving force and size due to the need for both inkjet and cutting heads to move together, leading to increased cost and risk of ink contamination, especially with solvent inks, which can damage electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A printer-plotter design with separate head fixing mechanisms allows the inkjet and cutting heads to move independently along a guide rail, reducing the required driving force and preventing ink droplet adherence to the cutting head, using a pulley and belt system with a small electric motor and separate connecting mechanisms to maintain each head at the guide rail ends during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both the inkjet head and cutting head are moved together during printing operation, then the printing function can be achieved, but the required driving force increases and the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the head assembly into separate movable and fixed portions. The cutting head is made movable while the inkjet head is fixed during cutting operations, and vice versa during printing operations. This segmentation allows only the necessary head to be moved during each operation, reducing the driving force requirement while maintaining both printing and cutting functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inkjet head is connected directly to the cutting head during printing, then both functions can be integrated, but ink droplets may adhere to the cutting head causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the inkjet head and cutting head into independent units with distinct positioning systems. During printing, the inkjet head remains fixed while the cutting head is positioned away from the printing area. This spatial segmentation prevents ink droplets from adhering to the cutting head and its electrical components, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a maintenance cover as an intermediary protective element between the inkjet head and cutting head. The maintenance cover can be positioned to shield the cutting head from ink spray during printing operations, providing an additional layer of protection against ink contamination while allowing both functions to coexist in the same apparatus.
3Force
If a large capacity electric motor is used to drive both heads, then the driving force requirement is met, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the driving systems for the inkjet head and cutting head, with each head having its own independent positioning mechanism. During printing, only the inkjet head positioning system operates with a small motor, while the cutting head remains stationary. During cutting, only the cutting head positioning system operates. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large capacity motor that would be required to move both heads simultaneously, reducing apparatus size and cost.
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 design reduces the size, weight, and cost of the printer-plotter while preventing ink contamination of the cutting head and its electrical components, allowing for efficient and cost-effective operation with both printing and cutting functions.
Implementation Method 1
a pulley and a belt for moving the first head in the lateral direction, a small electric motor for driving the pulley and the belt
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is to provide a printer-plotter capable of achieving cost reduction. To resolve this object, there is provided a printer-plotter comprises a guide rail 40 extending in the lateral direction, first and second heads 50, 60 which are supported by the guide rail 40 and are movable in the lateral direction independently from each other, and a head driving device 80 having a driving carriage 85 which is supported by the guide rail 40 and is movable in the lateral direction between the first head 50 and the second head 60. To conduct a predetermined action relative to a medium M by using the first head 50, the first head 50 is connected to the driving carriage 85 by a first connecting mechanism 110 and the second head 60 is separated from the driving carriage 85. To conduct a predetermined action relative to the medium M by using the second head 60, the second head 60 is connected to the driving carriage 85 by a second connecting mechanism 121 and the first head 50 is separated from the driving carriage 85.