Inkjet Head Ejection Evaluation via Angle Deviation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet print devices struggle to accurately evaluate the ejection performance of inkjet heads with nozzles arrayed in a matrix, especially when the head is attached at an angle deviation, leading to issues in maintaining print quality and detecting defective nozzles during continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet print device with a test pattern output control system, image reading, and calculation devices to measure nozzle positions and angle deviations, enabling accurate evaluation of ejection conditions and enabling correction processes for defective nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inkjet head is attached at an angle deviation, then the device can be installed more flexibly, but the ejection performance evaluation becomes inaccurate and print quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the actual attaching angle of the inkjet head and uses this parameter to calculate and correct deposit displacement amounts. By changing from fixed evaluation criteria to dynamic correction based on measured angle parameters, the system maintains evaluation accuracy despite angle deviations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric correction calculations for nozzles on opposite sides of the inkjet head. Nozzles on the clockwise side and counter-clockwise side receive different correction amounts based on their respective positions and the attaching angle, allowing accurate evaluation even when the head is installed at an angle
2Productivity
If the inkjet head operates continuously, then productivity increases, but nozzle ejection conditions change due to ink thickening or foreign matter, making quality control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously measures deposit positions, calculates deviations from ideal positions, and determines whether nozzles are functioning normally. This ongoing evaluation provides feedback on ejection conditions, allowing the system to detect and respond to changes caused by continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs ejection performance evaluation before actual printing operations and can repeat evaluations during operation. By conducting preliminary assessments, the system identifies defective nozzles in advance, preventing quality issues before they affect production output
3Measurement precision
If the system evaluates each nozzle individually, then detection precision improves, but the complexity of the evaluation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the evaluation process into distinct segments: test pattern generation, image reading, deposit position measurement, deviation calculation, and nozzle determination. By segmenting the evaluation into discrete steps, the system achieves precise individual nozzle detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a test pattern that replicates the arrangement of all nozzles on the inkjet head. By evaluating deposits from this copied pattern rather than directly measuring each nozzle, the system achieves precise individual nozzle assessment through a simplified indirect measurement approach
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
The solution allows for precise evaluation and correction of nozzle ejection conditions, ensuring stable print output and maintaining high print quality even with angle deviations, thereby improving productivity.
Implementation Method 1
an image reading device which optically reads an image of the test pattern recorded on the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet head ejection performance evaluation method includes: printing a test pattern for examining an ejection condition for each nozzle by an inkjet head and reading the test pattern by an image reading device; measuring a first depositing position for each nozzle from a read image to calculate an angle deviation amount of the inkjet head based on the first depositing position and pattern information; calculating at least one of a second depositing position and second deposit displacement amount in which an influence due to angle deviation caused is eliminated; calculating a moving amount caused by rotation of the angle deviation amount from a reference position of the nozzle at a reference attaching angle up to a current nozzle position; and calculating, by using these calculation results, at least one of a distance between the adjacent pixels and a third deposit displacement amount including the influence.