Recording Head Positioning via Parallel Guide and Reference Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the position of recording heads, particularly when exchanging them, due to complex configurations and difficulties in determining the mutual positions of multiple head holders, leading to potential misplacement and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a guide member and a reference member extending parallel to the guide member, with the carriage moving along the guide member and the head holder being attachably and detachably hooked onto the reference member, enhances positional accuracy and simplifies the exchange process by using a hooking mechanism and pressing mechanism for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position determination part with position determination surface and position determination pin is used, then the position determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of position determination by removing the complex position determination surface and pin mechanism, replacing it with a simple groove structure that achieves the same positioning function with minimal components
Solution Approach 2:
The position determination function is segmented into separate components: the groove in the head holder and the corresponding groove in the carriage, allowing independent optimization of each part while maintaining overall positioning accuracy
2Measurement precision
If separate position determination parts are provided for plural head holders, then the position determination accuracy for each head holder is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of determining mutual positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it determines the position of each individual head holder, establishes the mutual positions between multiple head holders, and maintains consistency across all head holders through a unified reference system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the position determination function into a single groove structure that is common to all head holders, eliminating the need for separate position determination parts for each head holder and simplifying the overall system
3Measurement precision
If a complex position determination mechanism is used, then the position determination accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation for exchanging head holders deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential positioning function from complex mechanisms, leaving only the minimal groove structure needed for accurate positioning, which can be easily engaged and disengaged during head holder exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure is pre-formed in both the head holder and carriage during manufacturing, so that when head holders are exchanged, the positioning function is immediately available without requiring additional assembly or adjustment steps
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head including plural nozzles discharging liquid droplets, a head holder holding the recording head, a carriage holding the head holder, a guide member extending in a main scanning direction of the image forming apparatus, and a reference member extending in the direction substantially parallel to the direction of the guide member. Further, the carriage moves along the guide member, a part of the reference member is disposed in the carriage, and the head holder is attachably and detachably hooked on and held by the reference member.