Selectable Drive Printing Device Shifter Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing devices require additional space and increased carriage torque for printhead capping mechanisms, which complicates firmware algorithms and results in a larger footprint, especially due to the need for extra gears and drive systems.

Innovation Solution

A selectable drive printing device with a shifter coaxially coupled around a feedshaft, allowing selective shifting between scanning and printing system drive positions, using a friction finger to bias the shifter's rotational direction and a cluster gear to actuate the capping system, reducing the overall width and simplifying software and firmware requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional gears and drive systems are added for printhead capping mechanisms, then the capping function is achieved, but the device width increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapping functionVSAvoiddevice width

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capping mechanism with the existing carriage assembly by integrating the capping bar and associated drive elements directly into the carriage structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated capping drive systems and reduces overall device width while maintaining reliable capping functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it carries the printheads for printing operations and simultaneously houses the capping mechanism for maintaining printhead condition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated capping mechanisms, reducing device complexity and width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional gears and drive systems are added for printhead capping mechanisms, then the capping function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapping functionVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the capping drive mechanism with the existing carriage drive system, using shared mechanical elements and control pathways. This integration reduces the number of independent components and simplifies the overall drive system architecture while ensuring reliable capping operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage assembly performs dual functions as both the printing mechanism carrier and the capping mechanism housing. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant structures and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional gears and drive systems are added for printhead capping mechanisms, then the capping function is achieved, but firmware complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapping functionVSAvoidfirmware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capping control logic with the existing carriage control firmware, using shared control pathways and integrated decision-making algorithms. This integration reduces firmware complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated capping control routines while maintaining reliable capping function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If additional gears and drive systems are added for printhead capping mechanisms, then the capping function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapping functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the capping mechanism with the existing carriage assembly, eliminating the need for separate dedicated capping components and reducing part count. This integration simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces assembly steps, and lowers overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable capping function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design minimizes the printing device's width by approximately 35 mm, reduces carriage axis torque requirements, and simplifies the capping process, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective product.

Implementation Method 1

The shifter includes a friction finger formed on the shifter to bias the shifter in a rotational direction of the feedshaft.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3341206B1Selectable drive printing device

Publication Date: 2021.01.06 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

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AI summary

A selectable drive printing device includes a feedshaft to selectively drive a print drive system and a scan drive system, and a shifter to selectively shift a drive selector assembly of the selectable drive printing device between a scanning system drive position wherein the scan drive system is driven and a printing system drive position wherein the print drive system is driven. The shifter is coaxially and rotatably coupled around the feedshaft. Further, the shifter selectively drives the print drive system and the scan drive system based on an angular position of the shifter about the feedshaft.