Inkjet Head Controller for Variable Gradation Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face a cost issue due to the need for different head controller structures to accommodate varying numbers of gradations for each color, making it expensive to achieve specific printing requirements such as cyan and magenta in six gradations and yellow in four gradations.
Innovation Solution
A printing method utilizing a drive element and controller with a common structure, where the controller has two input sections, allowing for different gradations by inputting specific signals to these sections to adjust the ejection of ink droplets based on the required gradation, enabling printing with both high and low gradation settings using a single controller configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different head controller structures are provided for each color to accommodate varying numbers of gradations, then the printing capability for different gradation requirements is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head controller is designed with a universal structure that can handle different numbers of gradations for various ink colors. The controller includes a drive signal generation unit that can generate drive signals for multiple gradation levels (e.g., 4, 6, 8 gradations) and a selection unit that selects appropriate drive signals based on the required gradation level, allowing a single controller to serve multiple printing requirements without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each color and gradation combination
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts its operation based on the required number of gradations. The selection unit dynamically selects different drive signals corresponding to different gradation levels, and the drive signal generation unit dynamically generates appropriate signals. This dynamic adaptation allows the controller to change its behavior based on printing requirements without changing its physical structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and manufacturing cost
2Ease of manufacture
If a common head controller structure is used for all colors, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to support different numbers of gradations for each color is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into functional units: a drive signal generation unit that can generate signals for multiple gradation levels and a selection unit that chooses the appropriate signal based on requirements. This segmentation allows the common controller to be configured differently for various printing tasks by selecting different drive signals, maintaining versatility while using a single common structure
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes its operational parameters (drive signal characteristics) based on the required number of gradations. By modifying the parameters of the drive signals generated by the drive signal generation unit, the controller can adapt to different gradation requirements (4, 6, or 8 gradations) while maintaining the same physical structure, thus supporting versatility without additional manufacturing cost
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 allows for flexible printing with different gradations using a common head controller, reducing production costs and simplifying the data input process while maintaining high printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a drive element such as a piezo element or a heater is provided for each nozzle in order to effect the ejection of an ink droplet from the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a drive element such as a piezo element or a heater is provided for each nozzle in order to effect the ejection of an ink droplet from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method includes: preparing a drive element that corresponds to a nozzle, and a controller that drives the drive element so as to eject a liquid droplet from the nozzle, the controller having a first input section and a second input section; in the case of printing with a first number of gradations, driving the drive element based on a first signal and a second signal, by inputting the first signal to the first input section and inputting the second signal to the second input section; and in the case of printing with a second number of gradations that is lower than the first number of gradations, driving the drive element based on a first signal, by inputting the first signal to the first input section and inputting a signal of a constant potential to the second input section.