Colored Ink Patterns for Printhead Wiping Liquid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies struggle to accurately determine the application of wiping liquid on a wiping member, leading to potential inconsistencies in nozzle cleaning efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that includes a detection unit to detect ink on a wiping member after applying a wiping liquid, by printing a predetermined pattern and analyzing the ink presence, ensuring precise determination of wiping liquid application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an optical sensor is used to determine whether wiping liquid is applied to the wiping member, then the detection can be performed automatically, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when the amount of applied wiping liquid varies or when the wiping member is not appropriately mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a colored pattern (e.g., black pattern) on the wiping member before applying the wiping liquid. The detection unit then detects whether the wiping liquid has been applied by observing changes in the optical properties of the pattern. This color-based detection method provides high accuracy regardless of variations in wiping liquid amount or wiping member mounting, because the pattern creates a distinct optical signature that is reliably modified by the wiping liquid application.
2Productivity
If the amount of applied wiping liquid is not controlled precisely, then the application process is simpler and faster, but the determination of appropriate application becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a colored pattern to the wiping member before applying the wiping liquid. This preliminary action creates a reference state that can be detected and compared after wiping liquid application. The pattern serves as a built-in reference that enables reliable determination of wiping liquid application without requiring precise control of the application process itself, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the wiping member is not appropriately mounted, then the system is more flexible and easier to operate, but the detection of wiping liquid application becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The colored pattern applied to the wiping member creates a consistent optical reference that enables accurate detection regardless of mounting variations. The pattern's color properties provide a reliable signal that can be detected by the optical sensor even when the wiping member is mounted with some variation, thus maintaining detection accuracy while preserving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-accuracy detection of wiping liquid application, thereby maintaining optimal nozzle cleaning performance and ink ejection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor is used to determine whether or not the wiping liquid is applied to the wiping member after application of the wiping liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus including a printing unit configured with an ejection port surface for ejecting ink, a wiping unit configured to wipe the ejection port surface using a wiping member by relative movement with the printing unit, an application unit configured to apply a wiping liquid to the wiping member, a detection unit configured to detect the ink on the wiping member, and a control unit configured to cause the printing unit to print a predetermined pattern on a predetermined area of the wiping member and to cause the application unit to apply the wiping liquid, and, then, to cause the detection unit to detect the ink on the predetermined area.