Inkjet Head Drive Timing via Server-Based Recording Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the business model where a head manufacturer supplies heads to printer manufacturers, determining optimal recording conditions for inkjet printers is time-consuming and costly due to lack of knowledge transfer about usage conditions, leading to increased burden on printer manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet system with a head unit, acquisition portion, coupling portion, output portion, and determination portion that facilitates communication with a server to determine drive timing, scanning speed, and gap between the head and medium based on acquired output information, reducing the need for printer manufacturers to search for these conditions independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the head manufacturer provides heads to printer manufacturers without sharing usage condition knowledge, then the business model efficiency is improved, but the time and cost for determining optimal recording conditions increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the head manufacturer and printer manufacturer. The server stores usage condition knowledge (ink types, temperatures, head specifications) and automatically determines optimal recording conditions, mediating the information gap without requiring direct knowledge transfer between manufacturers
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the printer manufacturer input actual usage conditions (ink type, temperature) to the server, which then provides optimized recording conditions. This feedback loop enables continuous optimization based on real operating conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printer manufacturer independently searches for optimal recording conditions, then the adaptability to various applications is improved, but the burden and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the printer manufacturer to independently input their specific usage conditions (ink type, temperature, application requirements) into the server, which automatically generates optimized recording conditions tailored to their specific needs without requiring expert knowledge
3Ease of operation
If the head manufacturer provides recording condition information without knowing actual usage conditions, then the information provision is simplified, but the accuracy of provided information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-determined recording conditions to dynamic condition-based optimization. The server adjusts recording conditions dynamically based on actual usage conditions input by the printer manufacturer (ink type, temperature, head specifications), ensuring accuracy for each specific operating scenario
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
Efficiently determines optimal recording conditions by leveraging head manufacturer knowledge, reducing the burden on printer manufacturers and enhancing print quality through streamlined communication and data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a drive element applying pressure fluctuation to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying a drive pulse
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet system includes a head unit that includes a nozzle discharging ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element applying pressure fluctuation to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying a drive pulse, an acquisition portion that acquires output information including one or both of first output information regarding the head unit and second output information regarding the ink used for the head unit, a first coupling portion that is communicably network-coupled to a server, a first output portion that outputs the output information to the server via the first coupling portion, a first input portion to which input information is input from the server via the first coupling portion, and a determination portion that determines a drive timing of the drive element based on the input information.