Inkjet Feed Mechanism Torque Fluctuation Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with positioning accuracy due to cyclic torque fluctuations in the feed mechanism, leading to white or dark-colored extraneous lines on the printed image, which is exacerbated by the need for high dimensional accuracy of feed mechanism components to adjust control parameters effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a feed controller that adjusts the target operating position to minimize the influence of cyclic torque fluctuations and shifts the ink ejection nozzles to maintain image quality without requiring precise dimensional accuracy of feed mechanism components, by changing the target operating position and shifting ink ejection nozzles in the feed direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the feed mechanism components are manufactured with high dimensional accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning methods (relying on precise mechanical components) with a control-based approach. The feed amount is controlled by detecting the rotational position of the feed roller and adjusting the motor's drive amount dynamically, rather than relying on mechanically precise components. This substitution of mechanical precision with control system intelligence resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the drive amount parameter of the motor based on the detected rotational position of the feed roller. By adjusting the drive amount in response to detected position variations, the system compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the feed mechanism components, achieving accurate positioning without requiring high-dimensional accuracy in the components themselves.
2Measurement precision
If the rotational velocity of the feed roller is reduced to maintain constant inertial rotation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but image formation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rotational velocity of the feed roller dynamic rather than constant. The velocity is adjusted based on the detected rotational position to compensate for torque fluctuations. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy while avoiding the need to constantly operate at low velocities, thereby preserving image formation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the rotational position of the feed roller is detected and used to adjust the motor's drive amount. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to position variations in real-time, maintaining positioning accuracy without requiring the feed roller to operate at consistently low velocities, thus preserving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If the motor is stopped before the target position to allow inertial rotation, then positioning precision is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to torque fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to detect the rotational position of the feed roller and dynamically adjust the motor's drive amount. This feedback mechanism compensates for torque fluctuations during inertial rotation, making the positioning process reliable even when the motor is stopped before the target position. The feedback ensures that variations in torque do not lead to positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the drive amount parameter based on detected rotational position to compensate for torque fluctuations. By adjusting the drive amount in response to position variations, the system maintains positioning reliability during inertial rotation, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and reliability.
4Measurement precision
If the feed roller is controlled using a rotary encoder, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical positioning systems (such as rotary encoders) with a simpler control-based approach. The feed amount is controlled by detecting the rotational position of the feed roller and adjusting the motor's drive amount dynamically, rather than using complex mechanical sensing and feedback systems. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 ensures accurate positioning of the medium for clear image formation, eliminating the need for precise component dimensions and reducing costs by maintaining image quality despite cyclic torque fluctuations in the feed mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a motor which is to be driven with supply of a power
Implementation Method 2
a recording head which is to be operated to eject an ink toward the medium so as to form an image on the medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including: (a) a feed mechanism including a motor and a feeder moved by the motor for feeding a medium; (b) a recording head for ejecting an ink toward the medium to form an image; (c) a feed controller for controlling the motor so as to move the feeder to a target operating position that causes the medium to be positioned in a desired position; and (d) an ink ejection controller for causing ink ejection portions of the recording head to eject the ink toward the medium. The feed controller includes: a target-operating-position changer for changing the target operating position as an original target operating position to a modified target operating position in which influence of a cyclic variation of an operation velocity of the feeder is smaller than in the original target operating position. The ink ejection controller includes: an ink-ejection portion shifter for shifting the ink ejection portions in upstream or downstream direction in which the desired position is shifted as a result of change of the target operating position.