Printhead Carrier Pivot Mechanism and Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media processing devices face challenges in properly aligning, orienting, and maintaining printheads during installation, removal, and maintenance, which can affect printing performance due to the complexity of handling multiple cables and ensuring correct positioning and pressure application.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of printhead carriers with pivot mechanisms that allow for multiple configurations (closed, open, and access configurations) and adapters that facilitate single-action coupling and decoupling of printheads, enabling easy access and alignment without disrupting cable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are connected to the printhead during installation and removal, then electrical connections are established, but the complexity of handling multiple cables increases and proper alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable connections (power cable and data cable) into a single integrated connector assembly. This allows all electrical connections to be established or disconnected simultaneously through one coupling action, eliminating the complexity of handling multiple separate cables while ensuring reliable electrical connections between the printhead and print mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If the printhead is held in precise position during installation, then proper alignment is achieved, but the difficulty of maintaining correct positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features (such as alignment pins and corresponding recesses) that are pre-configured on the printhead and print mechanism. These features automatically guide and position the printhead correctly as it is being installed, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments and ensuring precise positioning is achieved simply by inserting the printhead into the carrier
3Reliability
If pressure is applied to the printhead during installation, then proper contact is achieved, but the difficulty of applying correct pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism within the carrier that automatically applies the necessary contact pressure to the printhead once it is installed. The spring force ensures consistent and appropriate pressure is maintained on the printhead without requiring manual adjustment or monitoring by the user, achieving reliable contact simply through the act of installation
Data Source
AI summary
Printhead carriers and adapters are disclosed. An example disclosed print mechanism includes an adapter to simultaneously couple a printhead assembly to both a logic circuit of a media processing device and a power source of the media processing device; a printhead carrier coupled to the adapter; and wherein a first connection, between data input connector and the logic circuit, and a second connection, between the power input connector and the power source, are maintained when the printhead assembly is removed from the print mechanism.