Reversing Path Motor Layout to Shield Thermal Head Heat and Noise

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording apparatuses face issues with heat generation from motors affecting ink ejection accuracy and noise leakage from motors, which are not adequately addressed in prior configurations.

Innovation Solution

The motor for reversing and motor for discharge are positioned between the first and second path forming sections, covered by these sections, to prevent heat transfer to the thermal head and reduce noise leakage, while optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the stepping motor is disposed on the inner side of the U-shaped conveying path to reduce the size and thickness of the apparatus, then the apparatus size is reduced, but heat generated in the stepping motor directly transfers to the thermal head by radiation, adversely affecting recording quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidheat transfer to thermal head

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A heat insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the stepping motor and the thermal head. This heat insulating member blocks the direct radiation path of heat from the motor to the thermal head, preventing adverse thermal effects on recording quality while allowing the motor to remain in the compact U-shaped configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat generated by the stepping motor, which is normally a harmful factor, is redirected to serve a useful function by positioning a drying lamp near the thermal head. The motor heat contributes to drying the recorded medium, converting a harmful thermal effect into a beneficial drying function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If the stepping motor is exposed toward the upper surface of the apparatus to reduce size, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but operation sound of the motor easily leaks from the upper surface, becoming harsh to the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidnoise leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A noise insulating member is positioned between the stepping motor and the upper surface of the apparatus. This insulating member acts as a barrier that blocks sound waves from the motor, preventing noise leakage while maintaining the simplified exposed motor configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If the motor is disposed in the same space as the thermal head to reduce apparatus size, then space utilization is improved, but heat from the motor adversely affects ink ejection accuracy of the inkjet recording head

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidink ejection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A heat insulating member is placed between the motor and the thermal head to block direct heat radiation. This intermediary protects the inkjet recording head from thermal interference, maintaining ink ejection accuracy while allowing compact space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat generated by the motor is redirected to serve as a drying heat source for the recorded medium. By positioning the drying lamp to utilize this heat, the harmful thermal effect is converted into a beneficial drying function that improves recording quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 prevents heat and noise interference with the thermal head, enhances drying efficiency, and reduces the apparatus size by utilizing space efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

heat generated in the stepping motor is directly transferred to the thermal head by radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat radiation blocking: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

operation sound of the motor easily leaks from the upper surface of the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4491404B1Recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A recording apparatus (1) includes a recording unit (40) configured to perform recording on a medium conveyed in a first direction, a recording-time conveying path (R3) facing the recording unit, a guide path (R4) located below the recording-time conveying path, the medium being passed through the recording-time conveying path, a reversing path (R2) coupled to the guide path, the reversing path reversing the medium and causing the medium to join the recording-time conveying path, a conveying roller (16) disposed in the recording-time conveying path and configured to feed the medium downstream in the recording-time conveying path, a motor (82) for conveyance configured to drive the conveying roller, a first path forming section (51) forming a lower surface of the recording-time conveying path, and a second path forming section (52) forming an upper surface of the guide path. The motor for conveyance is disposed at a position between the first path forming section and the second path forming section.