Inkjet Printer Dual Suction System for Mist Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in maintaining image quality due to varying mist generation and landing position deviations caused by airflow suction, which are influenced by the type of ink used, leading to inconsistent printing results.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-suction unit system with adjustable airflow rates, controlled by a control unit and storage unit that sets specific setting values based on ink information, including ink mist-generation degree and landing position deviation-influence, to optimize airflow suction for each ink type, improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single suction device generates airflow for suctioning mist from multiple discharge heads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates due to inability to control suction amount per ink type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single suction device into multiple independent suction devices, with each suction device corresponding to a specific discharge head. This segmentation allows each suction device to be independently controlled for its specific ink type, resolving the contradiction by sacrificing device complexity reduction to gain precise control over mist suction for each ink type, thereby maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by providing separate suction devices for each discharge head, allowing each suction device to be optimized for its specific ink type. This enables differential suction control tailored to the local requirements of each ink type, improving image quality while accepting increased overall device complexity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If airflow suction is increased to remove ink mist, then mist removal efficiency improves, but landing position deviation increases due to stronger airflow influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of airflow suction amount by providing independently controllable suction devices for each discharge head. This allows optimization of the suction parameter for each ink type, achieving effective mist removal while controlling landing position deviation through precise parameter adjustment tailored to each ink's characteristics.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If suction amount is increased for better mist collection, then mist collection efficiency improves, but printing speed decreases due to longer processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the suction parameter for each ink type through independent control of each suction device. This allows using lower suction amounts for ink types that generate less mist, thereby maintaining printing speed while still achieving effective mist collection for each specific ink type, resolving the contradiction through parameter optimization.
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 solution allows for precise adjustment of airflow rates to match ink types, enhancing printing quality by reducing mist-related deviations and expanding the range of usable inks, thereby improving the overall printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device coupled to the first suction unit and the second suction unit, the suction device being configured to generate an airflow for suctioning the ink mist at the first suction unit and the second suction unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer includes a transport unit (10), a first head (21), a second head (22) disposed downstream of the first head, a first suction unit (31) configured to suction ink mist discharged from the first head, a second suction unit (32) configured to suction ink mist discharged from the second head, and a suction device (51) coupled to the first suction unit (31) and the second suction unit (32), and configured to generate an airflow for suctioning the ink mist, and a first adjustment unit (251) disposed either one of on a first path from the first suction unit to the suction device, and at the suction device, and configured to adjust a flow rate at the first suction unit, and a second adjustment unit (252) disposed either one of on a second path from the second suction unit to the suction device, and at the suction device, and configured to adjust the flow rate at the second suction unit.