Liquid Ejector Adjustment Pattern Segmentation for Nozzle End Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid ejecting apparatuses face a decrease in adjustment accuracy due to the position of the adjustment pattern check, particularly at the end of the nozzle array, leading to inconsistent ink ejection speeds and positioning.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting apparatus with a reciprocating ejector and moving unit forms first and second patterns in different directions, and a third visibility decrease pattern at the end region of both, allowing for an adequate adjustment pattern check position recognition, thereby inhibiting accuracy decreases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the adjustment pattern is formed using the end of the nozzle array, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink ejection speedVSAvoidadjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the adjustment pattern into multiple segments: a first adjustment pattern formed by forward movement, a second adjustment pattern formed by backward movement, and a third adjustment pattern formed at the end region. This segmentation allows different portions of the pattern to serve different functions, with the third pattern specifically addressing the accuracy issue at the nozzle array end while the first and second patterns maintain productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific third adjustment pattern at the end region (last 5% to 50% of the nozzle array) that differs from the main adjustment patterns. This localized pattern ensures adequate ink ejection speed and visibility specifically where accuracy is most critical, without affecting the overall productivity maintained by the first and second patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the adjustment pattern check position is at the end of the nozzle array, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern formation complexityVSAvoidadjustment pattern check accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by forming the third adjustment pattern at the end region before final adjustment checks are performed. This ensures that the critical end region patterns are already optimized and visible, allowing for accurate adjustment checks without requiring additional complex equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9662876B2Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of forming adjustment pattern check area

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An ejector is caused to eject a liquid such that first patterns are formed in a first direction on a medium while the ejector is moved outward, second patterns are formed in one-to-one correspondence with the first patterns with different first amounts of interval in the first direction from the first patterns while the ejector is moved backward, and a third pattern is formed in an end region that is at least a part of an end of the first patterns in the second direction and at least a part of an end of the second patterns in the second direction.