Ink Ejecting Device with X-Z Axis Head Movement for Hybrid Fabric Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face challenges in efficiently combining digital and analog printing on fabric materials, particularly in maintaining ink quality and image resolution, especially when switching between different printing methods and materials.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an ink ejecting device with a movable head system that includes X-axis and Z-axis moving mechanisms, allowing for adjustable nozzle positioning and automatic maintenance processes such as capping, flushing, and wiping, combined with a plate device for hybrid printing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital inkjet printing is combined with analog plate printing on fabric, then printing versatility and quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines digital inkjet printing and analog plate printing systems into a single integrated printing apparatus. The inkjet printing unit and plate printing unit are merged to share common components such as the fabric conveying mechanism, control system, and structural framework, thereby achieving printing versatility while managing device complexity through resource sharing
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform both digital inkjet printing and analog plate printing on various fabric materials. The system incorporates universal components that can serve multiple purposes, such as the conveying device that handles different fabric types and the control unit that manages both printing methods, enabling one device to fulfill multiple printing needs
2Area of stationary object
If the head is moved in X-axis direction for scanning, then printing coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including encoders or sensors that monitor the position of the head during X-axis scanning movement. This feedback is fed back to the control unit, which adjusts the ink ejection timing and positioning to compensate for any deviations, thereby maintaining image resolution and printing precision across the entire printing coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical positioning with a hybrid system that combines mechanical scanning movement with electronically controlled ink ejection timing. The control unit uses digital signals to precisely control when and where ink is ejected, supplementing the mechanical X-axis scanning to achieve both wide coverage and high precision without relying solely on mechanical accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If the head is positioned closer to the fabric for high-resolution printing, then image resolution is improved, but nozzle clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions to prevent nozzle clogging before it occurs. This includes automated maintenance routines such as cap covering when the head is not in use to prevent ink drying, periodic flushing sequences to clear ink residues, and wiping mechanisms to remove contaminants. These preventive actions are executed automatically by the control unit, maintaining nozzle cleanliness and preventing clogging that would otherwise result from close positioning to the fabric
Data Source
AI summary
An ink ejecting device includes: a head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles arranged along a Y-axis direction parallel to a direction in which a recording medium is conveyed; an X-axis moving mechanism that moves the head in an X-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction on the horizontal plane; a control unit that performs scanning in which the head is moved in the X-axis direction and that causes the head to eject ink during the scanning; and a Z-axis moving mechanism that moves the head in a Z-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis and X-axis directions.