Stacked Ink Supply Channels for Multi-Printhead Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers with multiple printheads arranged transversely to the printing medium face complexity in ink supply and assembly due to the need for individual ink feeding and uniform height alignment, leading to slower printing speeds and intricate structures.
Innovation Solution
An ink supply unit with a stack structure comprising a first channel member for receiving color inks, a second channel member for dividing inks into unit channels, and a third channel member for distributing inks to printheads, supported by a metal plate to prevent deformation and ensure proper alignment, allowing for independent ink supply to each printhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple printheads are arranged transversely to increase printing speed, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated ink supply structure
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply system is segmented into multiple independent channels, with each channel dedicated to supplying ink to a specific printhead. This segmentation allows each printhead to receive ink independently through its own channel, eliminating the need for complex distribution mechanisms while maintaining the ability to supply multiple printheads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink supply unit is designed with a universal structure that can supply ink to multiple printheads through a standardized channel configuration. Each channel member can serve multiple functions: receiving ink from reservoirs, distributing to multiple printheads, and providing structural support for alignment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If individual ink supply channels are provided for each printhead, then reliability of ink supply is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ink supply channels are merged into a single integrated ink supply unit where channel members are stacked and coupled together. The first channel member receives ink from reservoirs, the second channel member distributes to printheads, and the third channel member provides additional distribution paths, all within one compact unit that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining individual channel reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel members are nested within each other in a stacked configuration, with the second channel member positioned within the structure of the first, and the third channel member nested within the second. This nesting arrangement allows multiple independent channels to coexist in a compact space, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable individual supply paths.
3Manufacturing precision
If printheads are assembled at uniform height, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel members are designed with pre-formed protrusions and recesses that automatically guide and position the printheads at the correct uniform height during assembly. The third channel member includes specific structural features that engage with the printheads beforehand, ensuring proper alignment before final assembly, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel members act as intermediary components between the ink reservoirs and the printheads, providing a standardized interface that ensures uniform height alignment. The structured channels with their specific geometric features serve as mediators that automatically position printheads correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead assembly, an image forming apparatus and an ink supply unit supply color inks to a plurality of printheads which are arranged in a direction transverse to an advancing direction of a printing medium. The ink supply unit may include a first channel member to receive different color inks, a second channel member engaged with the first channel member to divide each of the supplied color inks to a plurality of sets of first unit channels corresponding in number to the plurality of printheads, and a third channel member engaged with the second channel member. A plurality of second unit channels of the third channel member may supply each of the color inks being supplied from the first unit channels to each of the printheads. A support plate may be used to support the first, second, and third channel members in a stack structure.