Inkjet Printhead Preliminary Discharge Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges with preliminary discharge, leading to decreased throughput due to the need for expensive high-processing-speed controllers and increased costs, as existing control methods are complex and inefficient, especially when dealing with ink viscosity and solidification issues.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus with first and second preliminary discharge positions within the carriage's moving area, where the position for preliminary discharge is selected based on the size and position of the printing medium, simplifying control and reducing the load on the system, allowing for cost-effective operation without compromising throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preliminary discharge is performed using existing control methods, then ink viscosity and solidification issues are addressed, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive high-processing-speed controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the control parameter from time-based preliminary discharge scheduling to position-based preliminary discharge control. By determining discharge position based on printing medium size and carriage location, the system achieves reliable preliminary discharge control without requiring high-processing-speed controllers, thus reducing device complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If complex preliminary discharge control methods are used, then discharge reliability is improved, but throughput decreases due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary discharge control actions in advance by pre-determining the optimal discharge position based on printing medium size and carriage location. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during printing, maintaining high throughput while ensuring reliable discharge control.
3Device complexity
If preliminary discharge position is not optimized, then control is simplified, but ink solidification and deposition issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality control by determining the specific preliminary discharge position based on the local conditions of printing medium size and carriage location. This localized approach ensures that preliminary discharge is performed at the optimal position for each printing scenario, preventing ink solidification and deposition while maintaining control simplicity.
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
This approach reduces the need for high-cost components, enables proper control of preliminary discharge positions, and increases throughput in inkjet printing apparatuses, even those with low processing capabilities, by using information about the printing medium to optimize preliminary discharge operations.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal scheme using the pressure generated when ink forms bubbles as it is heated
Implementation Method 2
This mechanism performs suction recovery operation of producing negative pressure in the printhead by suction or pressurization
Data Source
AI summary
In an inkjet printing apparatus, as positions where preliminary discharge is performed to cause a printhead to discharge ink irrespective of printing, first and second preliminary discharge performing positions are provided within the moving area of a carriage, and a position or a combination of positions where preliminary discharge is performed is set from the first and second preliminary discharge performing positions on the basis of the information of the size and position of a printing medium. This makes it possible to simplify control concerning the setting of preliminary discharge performing positions and reduce the load on the printing apparatus.