Transmission Link Assemblies Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printers, the use of a common drive source to control movement of elements like printheads through multiple transmission links often results in synchronization issues due to differences in functional distances caused by dimensional tolerances, mechanism play, backlash, and deflections, leading to positional errors and inaccurate coordinated movement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a synchronizing unit between the transmission links and the common drive source, which can switch between locked and unlocked modes to adjust the functional length of the transmission links, compensating for these differences by using biasing elements and locking members to ensure synchronized movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common drive source is used to control multiple transmission links, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to dimensional tolerances, mechanism play, and backlash
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronizing unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the common drive source and the transmission links. This synchronizing unit includes a synchronizing member with adjustable functional length that compensates for dimensional tolerances, mechanism play, and backlash, thereby maintaining synchronization accuracy while using a simple common drive source configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronizing member is designed with adjustable functional length that can be dynamically modified. This allows the system to adapt to variations in transmission link dimensions and compensate for wear and tolerances over time, maintaining synchronization accuracy without increasing the complexity of the drive source
2Device complexity
If transmission links are made longer to reduce the number of components, then device complexity is reduced, but positional accuracy deteriorates due to increased deflection and accumulated tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into multiple shorter transmission links rather than using fewer longer links. Each link includes a synchronizing member that compensates for local dimensional variations, preventing the accumulation of tolerances and deflection errors that would occur in longer continuous transmission paths
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 allows for accurate and coordinated movement of elements, compensating for positional errors and tolerances, ensuring precise operation of printers by adjusting the transmission link lengths to match the required functional distances, thereby improving the alignment and operation of printheads.
Implementation Method 1
A synchronizing unit is interposed between the first side and the second side of each transmission link to synchronize movement of the respective elements by the common drive source. The synchronizing unit can be switchable between a locked mode of operation and an unlocked mode of operation. In the unlocked mode, the synchronizing unit allows movement of the first side relative to the second side, compensating for differences in functional distance.
Implementation Method 2
The synchronizing unit further comprises a locking member to prevent movement of the first portion relative to the second portion when the locking member is in a locked position. This locking mechanism maintains the adjusted functional length and ensures synchronized movement of transmission links.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly comprises at least first and second transmission links. Each transmission link controls movement of a respective element coupled to a first side of the transmission link, under control of a common drive source coupled to a second side of the transmission link. A synchronizing unit is interposed between the first side and the second side of each transmission link, to synchronize movement of the respective elements by the common drive source.