Ink Jet Printer Print Head Servo Control and Curved Platen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face issues with print head jolting, leading to lost jets and poor print quality, and require precise alignment and temperature control of ink to maintain optimal performance, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The use of precision-controlled servo motors for smooth movement of print heads and a curved platen design to prevent substrate curling, combined with advanced thermal conditioning methods for ink, ensures stable nozzle meniscus maintenance and precise alignment of print heads without the risks of manual or air-driven systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air driven actuators are used to move the print head up and down, then the control of head movement is improved over manual processes, but the motion quality is reduced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air driven actuators with direct drive motors that provide precise control of the print head movement. This substitution eliminates the intermediate air actuation system that degrades over time, directly controlling the motor to achieve consistent motion quality without the vulnerabilities of pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms to monitor and adjust print head position and movement in real-time. This ensures that the meniscus remains stable during cleaning or re-threading operations by continuously correcting any deviations in head position, maintaining reliable motion quality throughout operation.
2Productivity
If the print head is moved quickly for cleaning or re-threading, then productivity is improved, but the meniscus is lost and air becomes entrapped into the nozzle orifice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic, controlled movement patterns for cleaning operations rather than continuous rapid movement. The print head is moved in deliberate periodic cycles that allow the meniscus to stabilize between movements, preventing air entrapment while maintaining efficient cleaning throughput through optimized periodic action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and stabilization of the print head before cleaning or re-threading operations begin. The head is slowly positioned to the correct location, allowing the meniscus to establish itself, before any rapid cleaning movements occur. This preliminary action prevents air entrapment during subsequent high-speed operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple print heads are aligned using trial and error methodology, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but the process is very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual trial and error alignment with automated optical alignment systems and computer-controlled positioning. Optical tools and digital sensors automatically measure and adjust head positions, while computer control executes precise movements, achieving high alignment accuracy without the time-consuming iterative process of manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying and digital imaging to create precise maps of print head positions and nozzle alignments. These digital copies allow for automated measurement and calculation of alignment errors, enabling computer-controlled adjustments to achieve precise alignment without physical trial and error manipulation of the heads.
4Ease of operation
If non-reversible adhesives are used to bond print heads together for alignment, then the alignment process is simplified, but corrections cannot be made if alignment is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, adjustable positioning systems that allow print heads to be moved and repositioned during the alignment process. Rather than using fixed adhesives, the system uses controllable mounting mechanisms that can be adjusted in real-time, enabling operators to optimize alignment and make corrections as needed before final securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs alignment adjustments and optical measurements before applying any bonding agents or final securing mechanisms. This preliminary alignment action ensures that correct positioning is achieved and verified before the print heads are permanently bonded, allowing for corrections if misalignment is detected during the alignment process.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet printer for printing on a substrate comprising a first print head outputting ink and defining an ink meniscus; a platen operable to carry the substrate; a support structure; and a print head mechanism coupled to the support structure and carrying the first print head. The print head mechanism moves the first print head relative to the platen. A controller controls the print head mechanism such that at least one of a predetermined acceleration and predetermined deceleration of the print head mechanism is achieved such that the ink meniscus is operably maintained.