Printer Printhead Pressure Control via Stepper Motor Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in accurately controlling the pressure exerted by the printhead on the printing surface, particularly in varying pressure during printing operations and requiring a supply of compressed air, which limits flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A printer system featuring a motor coupled to the printhead, controlled by a controller to vary the printhead's position relative to the printing surface, allowing for precise control of pressure through torque and position control modes, using sensors and motor feedback for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an air cylinder is used to press the printhead into contact with the printing surface, then the printhead can be effectively pressed against the printing surface, but the pressure applied cannot be varied during printing operations and compressed air supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic air cylinder system with a mechanical motor-driven system. The motor is coupled to the printhead through a mechanical coupling, and the controller controls the motor to vary the printhead position and applied pressure during printing operations, eliminating the need for compressed air supply while enabling dynamic pressure adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by enabling the printhead position to be varied during printing operations. The motor-driven system allows the printhead to move towards and away from the printing surface dynamically, adjusting pressure in real-time based on printing requirements, rather than maintaining fixed pressure as in static air cylinder systems.
2Productivity
If the printhead position is fixed, then the printing operation is simple, but the pressure applied by the printhead cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the printhead position dynamic rather than fixed. The motor coupled to the printhead enables it to move towards and away from the printing surface during printing operations, allowing pressure to be varied dynamically while maintaining high printing efficiency through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control system that monitors and adjusts the printhead position and applied pressure during printing operations. The controller receives feedback about the printing state and automatically adjusts motor control to maintain optimal pressure, enabling both high productivity and pressure adaptability.
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 efficient control of printing pressure, improving print quality and eliminating the need for compressed air, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to the printhead and arranged to vary the position of the printhead relative to a printing surface
Implementation Method 2
The controller is arranged to control the magnitude of current supplied to windings of the motor so as to cause a predetermined pressure to be exerted by the printhead on the printing surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate. The printer comprises a stepper motor having an output shaft coupled to the printhead, the stepper motor being arranged to vary the position of the printhead relative to a printing surface against which printing is carried out, and to control the pressure exerted by the printhead on the printing surface. The printer further comprises a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an angular position of the output shaft of the stepper motor. The printer further comprises a controller arranged to generate control signals for the stepper motor so as to cause a predetermined torque to be generated by the stepper motor; said control signals being at least partially based upon an output of said sensor.