Inkjet Head Layout for Compact Pre/Post-Treatment Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording devices face challenges in efficiently applying preprocessing and postprocessing solutions to wide and long recording media, such as fabrics, while maintaining compactness and ensuring accurate alignment of ink and solution ejection.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a carriage with ink heads aligned in the main scanning direction and preprocessing and postprocessing heads arranged side by side in the same direction but at different positions, allowing for efficient ejection and reduced carriage width, utilizing a staggered arrangement to minimize space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the ink head and processing heads are arranged at the same position in the conveyance direction, then the carriage width can be reduced, but the processing solutions and ink may interfere with each other and affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional arrangement (all heads aligned in the main scanning direction at the same conveyance position) to a two-dimensional staggered arrangement. The processing heads are positioned at different conveyance directions relative to the ink head, creating spatial separation that prevents interference while maintaining compact carriage dimensions. This dimensional reorganization resolves the conflict between compactness and alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the carriage width is increased to accommodate separate positions for ink heads and processing heads, then the alignment between ink and processing solution ejection can be improved, but the device becomes less compact and more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where processing heads are positioned within the spatial envelope defined by the ink head array. The processing heads are staggered at different conveyance directions, allowing them to be nested within the overall head assembly footprint rather than requiring additional lateral space. This nesting approach maintains compact dimensions while ensuring proper ejection alignment.
3Productivity
If multiple processing heads are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, then the productivity of applying processing solutions can be improved, but the carriage width increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple processing heads in a single row along the main scanning direction (one dimension), the patent distributes them in a staggered pattern across different conveyance directions (two dimensions). This allows multiple processing heads to operate simultaneously, improving productivity, while their staggered positioning prevents linear expansion of the carriage width. The spatial distribution in multiple dimensions enables parallel processing without proportional increase in footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording device includes a conveyance unit, a carriage, ink heads, and a plurality of processing heads. The conveyance unit conveys a recording medium in a predetermined conveyance direction. The carriage reciprocates in a main scanning direction intersecting the conveyance direction. The ink heads are mounted on the carriage so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction, and eject ink for image formation. The processing heads are mounted on the carriage and eject a non-coloring processing solution. The plurality of processing heads are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction at positions different from the ink head in the conveyance direction.