Inkjet Feeding Calibration via Roller Contact Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording devices face discrepancies between theoretical and actual paper feeding lengths due to manufacturing errors, slipping, backlash, and mechanical inaccuracies, leading to uneven printing.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a feeding mechanism with a detecting unit, judgment unit, and controller that alternates between printing and feeding operations to calibrate the paper feeding amount based on specific calibration values for different sections of the paper path, adjusting for discrepancies caused by paper position and contact with the supply roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single calibration value is used for the entire paper path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to compensate for position-dependent discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The paper path is divided into multiple sections (first section where paper contacts the supply roller, second section where paper does not contact the supply roller), and separate calibration values are established for each section. This segmentation allows the system to account for position-dependent feeding discrepancies without requiring overly complex real-time detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different calibration values are applied to different sections of the paper path based on the local feeding characteristics. The first calibration value compensates for discrepancies in the first section where paper contacts the supply roller, while the second calibration value compensates for discrepancies in the second section where paper does not contact the supply roller, achieving locally optimized precision.
2Ease of operation
If the paper feeding mechanism is simplified without calibration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to uncorrected feeding discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
Calibration values are predetermined and stored in memory before actual printing operations. The controller automatically selects and applies the appropriate calibration value based on paper position, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations or manual adjustments during operation, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a detection unit that detects paper feeding positions and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically selects the appropriate calibration value to compensate for feeding discrepancies, ensuring reliable image formation without requiring complex real-time control or manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed for both contact and non-contact sections separately, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple calibration values and detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The paper path is divided into two distinct sections based on whether paper contacts the supply roller, with each section having its own calibration value. This segmentation approach achieves high precision by accounting for different feeding characteristics in each section while keeping the calibration system relatively simple through clear section differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects paper feeding positions, determines which section the paper is in, and provides feedback for selecting the appropriate calibration value. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms for each section, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An amount of discrepancy between a theoretical paper feeding length and an actual paper feeding length is determined in advance, and a calibration value is determined based on the amount of discrepancy and stored in a ROM, for each of when a sheet of paper is fed while contacted by a sheet supply roller and when the sheet of paper is fed without contacted by the sheet supply roller. When a printing is performed on a sheet of paper, a feeding amount of the sheet of paper is calibrated based on one of the calibration values stored in the ROM.