Inkjet Head Dual-Mode Control for Print Quality and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line inkjet printers face challenges in achieving high-speed printing while maintaining high-quality image formation due to issues like sheet lifting and conveyor belt slippage, which hinder stable conveyance and result in compromised printing quality.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus with a conveyance mechanism, inkjet head, and movement mechanisms that allow for two printing modes: one where the inkjet head moves while the sheet is stopped, and another where the inkjet head is stationary while the sheet moves, enabling selection between high-quality and high-speed printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the inkjet head moves while the recording medium is stopped, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode printing system where the inkjet head can dynamically switch between moving (first movement printing mode for high quality) and stationary (fixed printing mode for high speed) states. The control unit automatically selects the appropriate mode based on printing requirements, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically to balance quality and speed needs.
2Productivity
If the recording medium is conveyed while printing, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the conveyance state of the recording medium based on the selected printing mode. In fixed printing mode, the medium is conveyed past the stationary inkjet head for high-speed printing. In first movement printing mode, the medium is stopped during printing to ensure high quality. The control unit manages this dynamic state transition automatically.
3Productivity
If the inkjet head is fixed while the recording medium moves, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-mode system where the inkjet head can switch between fixed and moving states. In fixed printing mode, the head remains stationary while the medium moves for high-speed printing. In first movement printing mode, the head moves with the medium stopped to eliminate conveyance instability issues. The control unit manages this dynamic switching to maintain reliability across different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a conveyance mechanism which conveys a recording medium in the conveyance direction; an inkjet head; a first movement mechanism; a first movement printing controller; a fixed printing controller; and a mode instructor which instructs which one of the first movement printing controller and the fixed printing controller is to be active. The first movement mechanism causes the inkjet head to make a first movement parallel to the conveyance direction. The first movement printing controller controls the conveyance mechanism so that the recording medium stops at a predetermined position. The first movement printing controller also controls the inkjet head and the first movement mechanism so that the inkjet head ejects ink to a stopped recording medium during the first movement. The fixed printing controller controls the conveyance mechanism so that the recording medium passes through an area where the recording medium faces the ejection surface. The fixed printing controller also controls the inkjet head so that the stopped inkjet head ejects ink to the moving recording medium.