Dynamic Nozzle Positioning for Inkjet Print Margin Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face challenges in minimizing the position control range of the medium during 5-color printing, leading to increased margin amounts at the end portions of the medium, which can result in transport errors and larger print sizes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid ejecting apparatus with two nozzle rows and a control system that adjusts nozzle positions and transport mechanisms to set the second nozzles further downstream for normal image formation and further upstream for the lower end portion image formation, allowing for consistent nozzle usage and stabilized transport operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the second nozzles are set to be nozzles located further on the downstream side for normal image formation, then the color image is properly formed on the background image, but the position control range of the medium becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the nozzle selection dynamic rather than fixed. The control section dynamically switches between two different nozzle configurations: using downstream nozzles for normal image formation and upstream nozzles for lower end portion image formation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for both image quality and position control range depending on the printing location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different nozzle configurations for different regions of the medium. Specifically, upstream nozzles are used for the lower end portion while downstream nozzles are used for the normal printing area. This localized approach ensures that each region receives the appropriate nozzle configuration for its specific requirements.
2Length of moving object
If the position control range is reduced, then the margin amount is minimized, but the nozzle configuration must be adjusted for different printing regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the nozzle selection parameter based on the printing location. The control section changes which nozzles are active (upstream vs. downstream) depending on whether the printing is occurring at the lower end portion or in the normal area. This parameter switching enables reduced position control range while maintaining image formation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic nozzle configuration control where the active nozzles change based on the current printing position. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the overall position control range while the control section manages the complexity of switching between different nozzle configurations automatically.
3Length of moving object
If upstream nozzles are used for lower end portion printing, then the position control range is shortened, but the nozzle selection must be dynamically changed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by enabling the control section to automatically determine and switch between nozzle configurations based on the current printing position. The system serves itself by autonomously selecting the appropriate nozzles (upstream or downstream) without external intervention, thereby reducing position control range while managing the automation of nozzle selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section uses feedback about the current printing position to automatically adjust nozzle selection. By monitoring where on the medium printing is occurring, the system feedback-controls which nozzles are active, enabling reduced position control range while the automation level is managed through this feedback mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes first and second rows of nozzles for ejecting first and second fluids respectively, a mechanism that transports the medium in the row direction, a mechanism that moves the nozzle rows in a direction intersecting the direction of the rows, and a controller that repeats an image formation operation while the medium is transported and the rows of nozzles moved. After forming a first image using the first row of nozzles, a second image is formed on the first image using the second row of nozzles in another image formation operation. For normal image formation, the second nozzles are set further downstream in the nozzle row direction than the first nozzles, and for image formation on a lower end portion of the medium, the second nozzles are set further upstream in the nozzle row direction than they are during normal image formation.