Inkjet Droplet Direction Detection Using Optical Intensity Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses cannot detect deviations in the flying direction of ink droplets discharged from nozzles, leading to potential misdirection and deterioration of image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a gradient adding member to the optical path of a printing apparatus, which adds gradients to the light intensity in intersecting directions, allowing a controller to detect deviations in the flying direction of ink droplets based on light reception by a light-receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional light-receiving unit is used to detect ink droplet discharge, then the discharge and discharge failure can be detected, but the deviation of the flying direction of the ink droplet cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform light intensity distribution across the detection area using the gradient adding member. Different regions of the optical path are assigned different light intensities, allowing the system to detect not only the presence of ink droplets but also their positional deviations based on which regions are blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The gradient adding member acts as an intermediary element between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. It modifies the light beam by adding intensity gradients, which then interact with the ink droplets to encode directional information that the light-receiver can detect.
2Device complexity
If uniform light intensity is used in the optical path, then the setup is simple, but the flying direction deviation of ink droplets cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity from uniform to gradient distribution by introducing the gradient adding member. This parameter change enables the optical system to encode spatial and directional information about ink droplet positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Measurement precision
If a gradient adding member is added to the optical path, then flying direction deviation can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient adding member serves as a compact intermediary component that achieves complex measurement capabilities (directional detection) through a relatively simple optical element, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while maximizing measurement precision.
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 accurate detection of ink droplet direction deviations, ensuring precise landing on the printing medium and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitter configured to emit light; a light-receiver configured to receive the light emitted from the light-emitter
Implementation Method 2
a gradient adding member configured to add a gradient to a light intensity of an optical path of the light emitted from the light-emitter in each of a second direction and a third direction
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a printing apparatus including: a head having a discharge surface in which a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid droplet in a first direction is opened; a light-emitter configured to emit light; a light-receiver configured to receive the light; a gradient adding member configured to add a gradient to a light intensity of an optical path of the light in each of second and third directions, the second and third directions intersecting the first direction, the second and third directions intersecting with each other; and a controller. The optical path intersects a flying area in which the liquid droplet from the nozzle flies at a position between the gradient adding member and the light-receiver. The controller is configured to detect a deviation of a flying direction of the liquid droplet based on an amount of the light received by the light-receiver.