Inkjet Recording Apparatus Edge Region Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining discharge stability and landing accuracy, particularly when recording images with narrow edge regions, due to simultaneous discharge from adjacent nozzles, which leads to instability and potential crushing of space regions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a control mechanism that restricts simultaneous discharge from adjacent nozzles in edge regions, using odd and even nozzles differently based on edge detection, and adjusts the number of ink droplets per unit area to stabilize discharge and prevent landing accuracy decreases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If simultaneous discharge from adjacent nozzles is performed in edge regions, then recording speed is improved, but discharge stability deteriorates and landing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles are divided into odd-numbered nozzles and even-numbered nozzles. In edge regions, only odd-numbered nozzles discharge ink in a single pass, while even-numbered nozzles are restricted from discharging. This segmentation prevents simultaneous discharge from adjacent nozzles, stabilizing discharge while maintaining recording speed efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different discharge control strategies are applied to different regions: in edge regions, only odd-numbered nozzles discharge to prevent instability; in non-edge regions, all nozzles can discharge normally. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying restrictive control only where necessary (edge regions) while maintaining full productivity in safe zones.
2Productivity
If all nozzles discharge ink in edge regions, then recording efficiency is improved, but landing accuracy decreases due to discharge instability
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle group is segmented into odd and even subsets. During single-pass recording of edge regions, only the odd-numbered subset is activated while the even-numbered subset remains inactive. This segmentation ensures that no two adjacent nozzles discharge simultaneously, eliminating the cause of discharge instability and preserving landing accuracy while maintaining efficient single-pass operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge pattern follows a periodic alternation where odd-numbered nozzles discharge in one pass, and even-numbered nozzles discharge in subsequent passes. This periodic activation pattern prevents simultaneous discharge conflicts while ensuring all nozzles contribute to recording over time, balancing efficiency and precision.
3Shape
If adjacent nozzles discharge simultaneously in edge regions, then space region crushing occurs, but restricting discharge reduces recording quality
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting nozzle activation into odd and even groups, the patent ensures that adjacent nozzles never discharge simultaneously in edge regions. This prevents the merging of ink droplets that would cause space region crushing, thereby preserving the intended shape and spacing of recorded features while maintaining overall recording quality through systematic alternation of nozzle groups.
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent shifts in the landing positions of ink in edge regions, two adjacent nozzles to which ink is supplied from a common liquid chamber are restricted from simultaneously discharging ink.