Inkjet Recording Head Joint Control for Zigzag Assembly Errors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face image quality deterioration at joint parts due to assembly errors in nozzle pitch, leading to visible lines or spots in printed images when modularized recording heads are assembled in a zigzag fashion.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the ink discharge amount from nozzles at joint parts based on the positional relation between adjacent recording heads, using correction driving data to maintain image quality by adjusting ink discharge when assembly errors occur, and storing data on nozzle disposition and positional information in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If modularized recording heads are assembled in a zigzag fashion to achieve desired width, then the apparatus can handle large print paper sizes, but assembly errors in nozzle pitch cause visible lines or spots in the printed image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating joint parts differently from regular nozzle regions. A control unit detects assembly errors at joint parts and adjusts ink discharge amounts specifically for nozzles located at these joints, while maintaining normal discharge for other regions. This localized correction prevents visible lines or spots at joint parts without affecting overall printing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the ink discharge parameter (amount of ink) dynamically based on nozzle position. The control unit modifies discharge amounts for nozzles at joint parts according to detected assembly errors, adjusting this parameter to compensate for positional deviations and maintain uniform image quality across the entire printing width.
2Reliability
If the number of nozzles at joint parts is increased to maintain image quality, then assembly error tolerance improves, but the complexity of controlling ink discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit detect actual nozzle positions and assembly errors at joint parts, then use this information to adjust ink discharge amounts. This closed-loop control compensates for assembly variations automatically, maintaining image quality consistency without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple nozzle arrays.
3Ease of manufacture
If recording heads are arranged in a line instead of zigzag, then assembly is simpler, but the apparatus cannot achieve desired printing width with small modular heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging recording heads in a zigzag pattern rather than a simple linear arrangement. This two-dimensional configuration allows the nozzles to be positioned in a effectively linear sequence across the printing width while maintaining modular assembly simplicity, achieving both goals simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes recording heads with nozzles selectively discharging ink and arranged at a predetermined pitch in a line. The recording heads are arranged in a zigzag fashion. Respective ends of two adjacent recording heads are overlapped with each other to form a joint part. Ink from selected nozzles of respective recording heads is discharged on print paper fed along a sub scanning direction at a predetermined timing corresponding to positions of the respective recording heads in the sub scanning direction such that an in-line image continuous in the main scanning direction is formed on the print paper. The inkjet recording apparatus further includes a control unit for controlling a driving operation of the respective nozzles at the joint part depending upon a dispositional relation between the nozzles of two recording heads at the joint part in the main scanning direction.