Dynamic Carriage Speed Adjustment for Thermal Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rendering apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in providing immediate 'click to print' times due to the warm-up times of their curing systems, which can lead to user perception of delays and potential image quality issues if the curing module does not reach the target operating temperature before starting the rendering process.
Innovation Solution
A rendering apparatus with a dynamic carriage speed adjustment system, where the speed of the carriage is varied based on the warm-up time and target operating temperature of the curing module, allowing the rendering process to begin before the curing module reaches the target temperature, and ensuring adequate exposure time for the rendering fluid to heat, thereby reducing thermal deformation and media jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rendering apparatus waits for the curing module to reach target operating temperature before starting the rendering process, then the curing performance and image quality are improved, but the click to print time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage speed is dynamically adjusted based on the real-time temperature of the curing module. When the curing module temperature is below the target temperature, the carriage moves at a reduced speed to allow adequate exposure time for curing. Once the target temperature is reached, the carriage returns to normal speed. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the rendering process to the actual curing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the carriage speed parameter in response to temperature conditions. By monitoring the curing module temperature and adjusting the carriage speed accordingly, the system ensures adequate curing exposure time during warm-up while minimizing overall click to print time. This parameter change approach allows flexible adaptation to thermal conditions.
2Loss of time
If the rendering apparatus starts the rendering process before the curing module reaches target operating temperature, then the click to print time is reduced, but the curing performance and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts carriage speed based on real-time temperature monitoring. When the curing module has not yet reached target temperature, the carriage operates at reduced speed to compensate for lower curing effectiveness, ensuring adequate exposure time. This dynamic adjustment maintains curing performance while allowing the rendering process to start immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the curing module temperature and using this information to adjust the carriage speed. The temperature sensor provides real-time feedback that enables the controller to optimize the rendering process, ensuring adequate curing exposure regardless of the curing module's thermal state.
3Productivity
If the carriage speed is increased to reduce click to print time, then the productivity is improved, but the exposure time for curing is insufficient leading to thermal deformation and media jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage speed is dynamically adjusted based on the curing module's thermal state. During the warm-up phase when the curing module temperature is below target, the carriage moves at reduced speed to ensure adequate exposure time and prevent thermal deformation. Once the target temperature is reached, the carriage returns to normal speed, maximizing productivity without compromising quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring and proactive speed adjustment before thermal deformation can occur. By detecting when the curing module has not yet reached target temperature, the system preemptively reduces carriage speed to prevent insufficient curing and associated problems like thermal deformation and media jamming.
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 approach reduces the 'click to print' time, enhances user experience by providing an immediate printing experience, ensures uniform curing, and prevents media jamming by maintaining adequate curing performance even before the curing module reaches the target temperature, thus improving overall image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The print target with the rendering fluid may then be exposed to heat 150 to cure the rendering fluid and fix the image
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor may be located in the curing zone or in close proximity to the curing module to measure a temperature associated to the curing module
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a rendering apparatus, method and non-transitory machine-readable storage medium for determining a speed of a carriage during rendering of an image. A plurality of swaths of rendering fluid are deposited on a print target using a set of printheads moving across the print target. A temperature of a curing module is measured at a respective time of depositing each respective swath. An arrival time for each deposited swath to respectively arrive at the curing module is predicted. The speed of the carriage during depositing the plurality of swaths is determined based on the measured temperature of the curing module and predicted arrival time for each respective swath.