Airflow Control System for Inkjet Carrier Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems using vacuum suction to hold print media experience unintended blurring of images due to air currents induced by the vacuum suction, particularly at the edges of the print media, leading to inaccurate and blurred printed images.
Innovation Solution
An airflow control system is implemented to selectively flow air through the opening between the carrier plate and the printhead, based on the location of the print medium relative to the printhead, to neutralize pressure gradients and reduce or eliminate crossflows that cause image blur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum suction is used to hold print media against the movable support surface, then the print media can be securely held in place without slippage, but air currents are induced that cause blurring of printed images
Solution Approach 1:
A makeup air supply system is introduced as an intermediary component that supplies air to the deposition region through openings in the carrier plate. This mediator counteracts the vacuum-induced air currents by providing a controlled air flow that prevents the vacuum suction from deflecting ink droplets, thereby eliminating image blur while preserving the secure holding function
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter in the deposition region by supplying makeup air at a pressure that balances the vacuum suction effects. By controlling the air supply pressure and flow rate, the system neutralizes the harmful air currents caused by vacuum suction, allowing both secure media holding and accurate image printing to coexist
2Reliability
If holes in the movable support surface are uncovered between adjacent print media, then vacuum suction can be applied to hold print media, but air flows through uncovered holes causing deflection of ink droplets and blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier plate with its openings serves as an intermediary structure between the vacuum plenum and the deposition region. It allows controlled air supply to occur through specific openings while blocking or redirecting the harmful air flows that would otherwise pass through uncovered holes in the movable support surface and deflect ink droplets
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different air flow conditions to different locations: makeup air is supplied through openings in the carrier plate at the deposition region to prevent blur, while the vacuum suction continues to operate through holes in the movable support surface to hold media. This localized quality control allows simultaneous achievement of secure holding and accurate printing
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
The airflow control system effectively reduces or eliminates image blur by ensuring that ink droplets are deposited accurately, maintaining the intended placement and quality of printed images while maintaining printing speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum source creates a vacuum state in the vacuum plenum, causing vacuum suction through holes in the movable support surface that are fluidically coupled to the vacuum plenum
Implementation Method 2
the air flow control system is configured to selectively flow the air based on a location of a print medium transported by the media transport device relative to the printhead
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system comprises a print fluid deposition assembly, a media transport device, and an air flow control system. The print fluid deposition assembly comprises a carrier plate and a printhead arranged to eject a print fluid through an opening of the carrier plate to a deposition region. The media transport device comprises a movable support surface to transport a print medium along a process direction through the deposition region, the media transport device holding the print medium against the movable support surface by vacuum suction. The air flow control system is arranged to selectively flow air through the opening of the carrier plate between the carrier plate and the printhead based on a location of a print medium transported by the media transport device relative to the printhead.