Inkjet Feeding Roller Drive Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet printers experience delays in the rotation of the feeding roller due to mechanical and software issues, leading to increased image recording times.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus and method that includes a controller which detects the position and velocity of the recording portion and the rotation of the feeding roller, storing a first position earlier than the completion of ink droplet ejection and outputting a drive command to the motor when the recording portion reaches this position, thereby synchronizing the movement of the recording portion with the rotation of the feeding roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drive command is outputted to the second motor upon completion of recording by the recording portion, then the feeding operation can be initiated, but a delay occurs between command output and actual rotation of the feeding roller
Solution Approach 1:
The controller outputs the drive command to the second motor in advance before the recording portion completes its recording operation. Specifically, the drive command is outputted when the recording portion is at a predetermined position during its movement, rather than waiting until recording completion. This preliminary action compensates for the mechanical and software delays in the drive-power transmitting mechanism, ensuring the feeding roller starts rotating at the appropriate time without causing delays in the image recording process.
2Loss of time
If the drive command is outputted earlier to compensate for delay, then the feeding roller rotation timing is improved, but the synchronization between recording portion movement and feeding roller rotation may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines the timing for outputting the drive command to the second motor based on the actual position of the recording portion during its movement. By monitoring the recording portion's position and calculating the appropriate timing based on this feedback, the controller ensures that the drive command is outputted at the precise moment that compensates for delays while maintaining proper synchronization between the recording portion movement and feeding roller rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus including: a controller including a position storing section storing a first position which is a position of a recording portion at a point in time earlier by a rotation required period than a point in time when the recording portion is positioned at a second position at which ejection of liquid droplets has been completed, the rotation required period being a period from a point in time when a drive command is outputted to a second motor for rotating a feeding roller to a point in time when an amount of the rotation of the feeding roller reaches a preset threshold amount; and a drive command outputting section configured to output the drive command to the second motor when the position of the recording portion has reached the first position.