Printing Apparatus Substrate Shielding Against Motor Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing apparatuses face noise interference from electromagnetic waves generated by components like motors, which can affect the operation of the device through connectors.

Innovation Solution

A configuration that includes a substrate covered by multiple metal plates surrounding the main circuit substrate, with a communication cable coupled via a through-hole covered by a metal cover, effectively shields the substrate from external electromagnetic waves, reducing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are used for communication with external apparatus, then communication functionality is improved, but electromagnetic waves from motors can enter through connectors and cause noise interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A filter circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and the main circuit substrate. The filter circuit includes a capacitor connected between the signal line and ground, and a resistor connected in series with the signal line. This intermediary structure allows communication signals to pass through while blocking high-frequency electromagnetic waves from the motor, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining communication functionality and preventing electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If metal plates are added to shield the substrate, then electromagnetic wave shielding is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic wave shieldingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing a complete enclosure around the main circuit substrate, metal plates are strategically positioned only at critical locations where electromagnetic waves can most easily couple into the circuit. Specifically, metal plates are placed near the connector and along the signal path between the motor and the substrate. This localized shielding approach provides effective electromagnetic protection while minimizing the addition of structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration effectively suppresses the entry of electromagnetic waves into the main circuit substrate, reducing noise and ensuring stable operation of the printing apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a first metal plate that separates the substrate from the motor; a second metal plate disposed above the substrate, the second metal plate having a through-hole; a third metal plate; a fourth metal plate; a fifth metal plate; and a sixth metal plate. The first metal plate to the sixth metal plate surround the substrate. The cable is coupled to the connector via the through-hole. The through-hole is covered with a metal cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS12187050B2Printing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US12187050B2 patent drawing
  • US12187050B2 patent drawing
  • US12187050B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes: a motor; a printing mechanism; a print processor; a connector; a substrate that transmits a signal received via the connector to the print processor, the print processor and the connector being mounted on the substrate; a plurality of metal plates that separate the substrate from the motor. The metal plates surround the substrate. The cable is coupled to the connector via a through-hole. The through-hole is covered with a metal cover.