Printing Apparatus Preprocessing Portion Position Setting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing printing apparatus configurations face issues with varying preprocessing performance due to potential changes in the position of the preprocessing portion relative to the medium supporting portion during attachment or detachment, affecting the consistency of foreign matter removal.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a position-setting mechanism within the mount portion that allows for precise alignment and secure mounting of the preprocessing portion relative to the medium supporting surface, ensuring consistent performance and ease of maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the preprocessing portion is made detachable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The preprocessing portion is divided into detachable modules that can be separately maintained while keeping the overall system functional. The mount portion is segmented into a fixed base and a detachable mounting structure, allowing maintenance without complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mount portion serves as an intermediary component between the fixed portion and the detachable preprocessing portion. This intermediary structure provides both secure attachment and precise positioning, resolving the conflict between ease of repair and position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the preprocessing portion is detachable for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance operationVSAvoidpreprocessing performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mount portion includes built-in position-setting mechanisms that automatically guide the preprocessing portion to its correct position during attachment. This self-aligning feature ensures consistent preprocessing performance without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical alignment methods are replaced with integrated position-setting mechanisms that provide precise positioning through design features such as guide rails, alignment pins, or magnetic positioning, ensuring consistent preprocessing performance while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the preprocessing portion is detachable, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance flexibilityVSAvoidpreprocessing performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mount portion is designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate different preprocessing portions while maintaining consistent positioning. This multi-functional design allows various preprocessing modules to be interchangeably mounted without compromising reliability or preprocessing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11351798B2Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a printing portion configured to perform printing on a printing surface of a medium, a transporting portion configured to transport the medium in a transport direction, a medium supporting portion located upstream of the printing portion in the transport direction, the medium supporting portion including a medium supporting surface configured to support the medium, a preprocessing portion configured to perform preprocessing on the medium supported by the medium supporting portion, and a mount portion facing the medium supporting surface, the mount portion being configured such that the preprocessing portion is detachably mounted thereto. The mount portion includes a position-setting mechanism configured to set a position of the preprocessing portion with respect to the medium supporting surface.