Recording Apparatus Carriage Gap Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face challenges in accurately controlling the gap between the recording head and the recording material, particularly when switching between thick and thin materials, leading to potential rubbing of the recording head and reduced image quality on specialty papers.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a guide member, platen, bearing member, and slidable member that allows the carriage to move vertically, enabling the gap between the recording head and the recording material to be adjusted without inclining the carriage, using a spring to stabilize the carriage's attitude and a slidable member to change the distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the gap between the recording head and the recording material is decreased to improve image quality on specialty paper, then image quality is improved, but the recording head rubs the thick recording material causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic gap adjustment mechanism where the carriage can switch between a first position (for thick recording materials) and a second position (for specialty paper). This allows the system to adapt the gap distance dynamically based on the recording material type, resolving the contradiction between preventing rubbing and achieving high image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding member is added to switch the gap by rotating the carriage, then the gap can be adjusted for different materials, but the carriage becomes inclined and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the carriage to adjust the gap (which causes inclination), the patent inverts the approach by moving the carriage vertically between two positions. This maintains the carriage's parallel alignment with the recording material while still achieving gap adjustment, thereby preserving image quality.
3Length of stationary object
If the carriage is rotated to switch gap positions, then the gap can be increased for thick materials, but the carriage inclination makes high-quality recording difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic position switching mechanism that moves the carriage vertically between a first position (increased gap for thick materials) and a second position (decreased gap for specialty paper). This dynamic adjustment allows optimal gap distance for different materials without causing carriage inclination, thereby maintaining high image quality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separate sliding member and cam mechanism are used to adjust the carriage height, then the gap can be switched, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gap adjustment function with the existing carriage movement mechanism. By utilizing the carriage's vertical movement capability and integrating the position switching into the carriage structure itself, the patent avoids adding separate complex mechanisms while still achieving effective gap adjustment for different recording materials.
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 solution allows for precise and simple adjustment of the gap between the recording head and the recording material, ensuring high-quality image recording on various paper types without increasing the complexity or cost of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mounted between the carriage and the bearing member, for urging the carriage in a downward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording head mounted on a carriage movable along a recording material, a guide member for guiding the carriage, a bearing member which is mounted to the carriage so as to be movable relative to the carriage in a vertical direction, and a slidable member mounted slidably in a carriage movement direction between the carriage and the bearing member. The slidable member is slid in the carriage movement direction to switch a height position of the carriage with respect to the guide member, whereby a gap between the recording head and the recording material is switched.