Printer Positioning Structure with Three-Point Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining stable positional relationships between the registration roller pair, belt platen, and recording unit, leading to color shifts and inaccurate printing due to distortions in the apparatus body frame during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A positioning structure that includes an ink head unit, a transport mechanism, a recording unit, a restrict unit, and an elevator mechanism, where the recording unit is retained by the apparatus body frame and/or transport mechanism at three points to minimize distortion effects, ensuring accurate positioning of the ink heads and belt platen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus body frame is used to support the recording unit and transport mechanism, then the structural stability is improved, but distortion during transportation causes positional inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent support points (first, second, and third support portions) distributed across the apparatus body frame. This segmentation allows each support point to independently bear load while maintaining overall structural stability, reducing the impact of localized distortions on positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different support portions are strategically positioned at specific locations (front, rear, and side portions of the apparatus body frame) to provide localized support where needed. This ensures that critical components like the recording unit and transport mechanism are supported at optimal points to minimize distortion effects while maintaining structural integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If the recording unit and transport mechanism are closely positioned to save space, then the device compactness is improved, but distortion effects are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial distribution of support portions across the apparatus body frame (front, rear, left, right sides). By distributing supports in multiple dimensions rather than a single plane, the structure maintains compactness while effectively counteracting distortion forces through spatial redundancy.
3Reliability
If multiple support points are used to maintain positioning accuracy, then the positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support portions are integrated into a unified support structure that works collectively to maintain positioning accuracy. The first, second, and third support portions are combined to form a coordinated system that distributes loads and counteracts distortions synergistically, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high positioning stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning structure of an image forming apparatus comprises an image recording medium to be transported; an ink head unit for ejecting ink fluids onto the image recording medium; a transport mechanism for transporting the image recording medium; a recording unit for retaining the ink head unit; an apparatus body frame for retaining at least the recording unit and the transport mechanism; a transport roller for introducing the image recording medium to the transport mechanism by regulating a transport position of the image recording medium; a restrict unit, being installed in the recording unit and the transport mechanism, for restricting a positional interrelationship between the recording unit and the transport mechanism; and an elevator mechanism for making a gap between the recording unit and transport mechanism changed, wherein the recording unit is retained by the apparatus body frame and/or the transport mechanism at three points.