Dual Nozzle Recording Head for Black Ink Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording technologies face challenges in increasing black ink concentration due to insufficient drying time before overcoat printing, leading to reduced black concentration in printed images.
Innovation Solution
A recording device with a dual nozzle row configuration, where one row discharges black ink and another row with lower pigment concentration achromatic ink, allows for controlled nozzle regions to ensure drying time of the black ink before applying the achromatic ink, enhancing black concentration by preventing ink spread and promoting efficient drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If overcoat printing is performed immediately after black ink printing, then productivity is improved, but black concentration increases insufficiently due to ink spread
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head is divided into two separate nozzle rows: a first nozzle row for discharging black ink and a second nozzle row for discharging achromatic ink with lower pigment concentration. This segmentation allows independent control of each ink type, enabling the system to maintain high productivity while achieving proper black concentration by preventing mix-up between different ink functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the recording head are assigned different functions: the first nozzle row (for black ink) has a smaller unused region width to maintain high black concentration, while the second nozzle row (for achromatic ink) has a larger unused region width to control its spread. This local differentiation optimizes the performance of each ink type according to its specific requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If drying time is extended before overcoat printing, then black concentration increases, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates idle drying time by continuously performing useful recording actions. While the first nozzle row discharges black ink, the second nozzle row simultaneously discharges achromatic ink in designated regions. This continuous dual-function operation maintains high productivity while achieving proper ink concentration through controlled discharge patterns rather than time-based drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The achromatic ink is discharged in a preliminary manner onto regions where black ink will be or has been discharged. This preliminary discharge of achromatic ink with lower pigment concentration prepares the surface for subsequent black ink layers, ensuring proper concentration buildup without requiring extended drying time between passes.
3Productivity
If nozzle unused region is reduced, then productivity is improved, but ink spread control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head implements different unused region widths for different nozzle rows: the first nozzle row (black ink) has a smaller unused region width of 0.05 to 0.15 mm to maximize coverage and productivity, while the second nozzle row (achromatic ink) has a larger unused region width of 0.15 to 0.30 mm to better control ink spread. This local differentiation allows each ink type to operate under its optimal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device provides, when a first mode that is a recording mode for increasing concentration of black is selected, in a first nozzle row including first nozzles capable of discharging a first ink representing black by a single color or a mixed color, and a second nozzle row including second nozzles capable of discharging a second ink having a lower pigment concentration than a black ink and being an achromatic color, a nozzle unused region by a first nozzle not discharging a first ink and a second nozzle not discharging a second ink, between a first nozzle usage region including the first nozzle discharging the first ink onto the recording medium, and a second nozzle used region including the second nozzle for discharging the second ink onto a region of the recording medium onto which the first ink is discharged.