Disjoint Nozzle Set Printing for Dual Image Swath Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printers struggle to efficiently print multiple digital representations on the same side of a medium, such as transparent or translucent media, to achieve desired visual effects like optical interactions or compensate for printing quality defects.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to use a single die with disjoint nozzle sets to concurrently print different representations on the same side of a medium, utilizing a single printing fluid and communicating print data to specific nozzle sets to achieve this.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If individual jet streams are communicated to multiple nozzle sets, then production efficiency and material utilization are improved, but the risk of cross-contamination between different jet streams increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidcross-contamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the communication path into separate dedicated channels for each nozzle set. Each jet stream has its own isolated communication path from the cartridge to the specific nozzle set, preventing mixing or cross-contamination while allowing parallel operation of multiple nozzle sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated communication path acts as an intermediary between the cartridge and each nozzle set. This intermediary structure ensures that jet streams are transmitted through separate, isolated routes, eliminating direct contact between different jet streams while maintaining efficient material transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single communication path is used for multiple nozzle sets, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control and switch between different jet streams deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication path structureVSAvoidjet stream control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication path is segmented into multiple independent channels, each dedicated to a specific nozzle set. This segmentation provides independent control capability for each jet stream while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to fully independent external pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple nozzle sets through dedicated communication paths. Each communication path can independently handle different jet streams, allowing the system to adapt to various printing requirements while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If jet streams are shared across multiple nozzle sets, then material utilization efficiency is improved, but the precision and purity of each jet stream may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial utilization efficiencyVSAvoidjet stream purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The communication path is divided into separate dedicated channels for each nozzle set, ensuring that each jet stream maintains its purity and intended composition. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination while enabling efficient material distribution to multiple nozzle sets simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Dedicated communication paths serve as intermediaries that preserve the integrity of each jet stream during transmission. These isolated pathways ensure that materials maintain their specified purity and composition characteristics while being efficiently distributed to multiple nozzle sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4590515B1Communication of digital representations to nozzle sets
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP4590515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4590515B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4590515B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printing method is described in which a first and a second digital representation data for a first and a second digital representation to be printed on a same side of a same media is received. First print data (121) corresponding to a printing fluid for the first digital representation is determined on the basis of the first digital representation data. Second print data (132) corresponding to the printing fluid for the second digital representation is determined on the basis of the second digital representation data. The method further comprises communicating the first print data corresponding to a specific swath (145) to a first set of nozzles, and communicating the second print data corresponding to the specific swath to a second set of nozzles, whereby the first and the second set of nozzles are disjoint sets of nozzles from a same die and are fluidically connected to the printing fluid.