Print Engine Support Structure Parallel Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wide-format inkjet printing systems, maintaining uniform pen-to-paper spacing (PPS) across the length of the print engine support structure is challenging due to the large distance between the printheads and the media, especially when printing on media of varying thicknesses, as independent controllable height adjustors can be difficult to synchronize accurately.
Innovation Solution
A print engine support structure controller uses spatial orientation sensors, such as accelerometers, and height sensors to adjust the height of the print engine support structure while ensuring it remains parallel to the printer platen, employing motorized screw mechanisms and drive signals to maintain optimal PPS, and adjusts drive signals dynamically to maintain orientation and height uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent controllable height adjustors are used at each end of the print engine support structure, then the height can be adjusted to accommodate media of different thicknesses, but it becomes difficult to accurately synchronize the movement of each height adjustor to maintain parallel orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent height adjustors into a single integrated height adjustment mechanism. This unified mechanism simultaneously adjusts the height at both ends of the support structure, ensuring they move in unison and maintain parallel orientation with the platen while accommodating different media thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that coordinates the operation of height adjustors. The controller receives input about media thickness and automatically synchronizes the adjustment of multiple height adjustors to maintain proper parallel orientation throughout the adjustment process.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanically coupled height adjustors are used to ensure synchronized movement, then parallel orientation can be maintained, but the device complexity increases and becomes unfeasible for wide-format printers with large distances between adjustors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems with an electronic control system. Instead of using mechanical linkages to physically connect and synchronize height adjustors, the system uses a controller with electronic signals to coordinate the adjustment of each adjustor independently, achieving synchronization without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system where the controller can independently control each height adjustor based on real-time feedback and predetermined parameters. This allows the system to adaptively synchronize adjustments across large distances without requiring rigid mechanical coupling.
3Area of stationary object
If the distance between height adjustors is increased to cover wide-format printing areas, then larger media sizes can be accommodated, but the difficulty of synchronizing height adjustor movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the height adjustment function into multiple independently controllable segments (individual height adjustors at different positions). Each segment can be adjusted separately by the controller, allowing precise control over large distances while maintaining synchronization through electronic coordination rather than mechanical coupling.
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 ensures consistent and high-quality printing by maintaining uniform PPS along the entire length of the print engine support structure, even when printing on media of different thicknesses, by accurately synchronizing the movement of height adjustors and maintaining the support structure's parallel orientation.
Implementation Method 1
spatial orientation sensors, such as accelerometers
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example there is provided a method of adjusting a support structure. The method comprises obtaining a reference orientation of the support structure when the support structure is positioned in a reference position. The height of the support structure is adjusted to a predetermined position and the orientation of the support structure is adjusted such that the orientation of the support structure when in the predetermined position is substantially the same as the reference orientation.