Printhead Mounting Spheres for Alignment Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printhead device mounting and positioning methods are time-consuming and prone to misalignment during operation, as the initial alignment is often lost or reduced.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing high-precision mounting spheres of predetermined diameter, secured to a carrier with circular holders, ensures accurate alignment of droplet jetting devices by maintaining direct contact with the mounting surface, eliminating the need for additional adjustments and maintaining alignment even during thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If adjustment screws and mounting spheres are used for aligning the printhead device, then the initial alignment can be achieved, but the alignment is lost or reduced during operation and additional adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting spheres are pre-positioned with high precision on the carrier before the printhead device is mounted. The carrier is pre-aligned with the printhead device, so that when the mounting spheres contact the receivers, the alignment is already established and preserved, eliminating the need for post-mounting adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting spheres automatically maintain their position and alignment function without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The direct contact between the mounting spheres and receivers, combined with the pre-aligned carrier, creates a self-maintaining alignment system that remains stable during operation.
2Measurement precision
If adjustment screws are used for aligning the printhead device, then alignment can be achieved, but the adjusting process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting spheres are pre-positioned with high precision on the carrier before the printhead device is mounted. The carrier is pre-aligned with the printhead device, so that when the mounting spheres contact the receivers, the alignment is already established and preserved, eliminating the need for post-mounting adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment screws and their associated adjustment mechanisms are completely removed from the system. The alignment function is achieved solely through the pre-positioned mounting spheres and the pre-aligned carrier, simplifying the mounting process and eliminating time-consuming adjustment operations.
3Measurement precision
If high precision mounting spheres are used, then accurate alignment is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting spheres are pre-positioned with high precision on the carrier before the printhead device is mounted. The carrier is pre-aligned with the printhead device, so that when the mounting spheres contact the receivers, the alignment is already established and preserved, eliminating the need for post-mounting adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive adjustment mechanisms, the system uses simple spherical geometry and pre-positioning to achieve alignment. The mounting spheres act as precise geometric references that define the alignment without requiring complex adjustment hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a simple method for aligning droplet jetting devices when mounting these in a printer without the need for subsequent positional adjustment. The method comprising the steps of: - Providing a carrier (80) comprising a first planar mounting surface (82); - Providing a droplet jetting device (10) on the carrier (80) aligned with respect to the first planar mounting surface (82); - Providing on the first mounting surface (82) a plurality of mounting spheres (72) of a predetermined diameter, wherein each mounting sphere (72) is inserted into a circular holder (74), and wherein the holders (74) are adhered to the first mounting surface (82), such that the mounting spheres (72) are in direct contact with the first mounting surface (82).