Inkjet Head Voltage Adjustment for Density Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in eliminating individual differences among inkjet heads, leading to density unevenness in images due to variations in droplet discharge characteristics across adjacent heads, resulting in suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
A droplet discharge apparatus with multiple dischargers and a control device that acquires characteristic values from the end portions of discharged droplets, adjusting the dischargers to ensure the difference between these values is within a predetermined range, thereby minimizing density variations and improving image uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple inkjet heads are used to increase printing width or speed, then productivity is improved, but density unevenness occurs due to individual differences among heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the voltage applied to each individual inkjet head based on its discharge characteristics. By measuring the actual droplet discharge behavior of each head and modifying the driving voltage accordingly, the system compensates for individual differences among heads, ensuring uniform density across all heads while maintaining high productivity through parallel operation of multiple heads.
2Manufacturing precision
If voltage is increased to improve droplet discharge consistency, then manufacturing precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by individually optimizing the voltage for each inkjet head based on its specific discharge characteristics rather than using a uniform voltage for all heads. This allows each head to operate at its optimal voltage level, achieving consistent droplet discharge across all heads while minimizing overall energy consumption by avoiding excessive voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage parameter for each head based on measured discharge characteristics, finding the optimal voltage level that achieves consistent droplet formation without excessive energy consumption. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between discharge consistency and energy efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual adjustment of each inkjet head is performed to eliminate density unevenness, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual droplet discharge characteristics of each inkjet head are measured, and this measurement information is used to adjust the driving voltage for each head. This closed-loop feedback system automatically compensates for individual differences among heads, achieving uniform density without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring and correcting the discharge characteristics of each head through voltage modification. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external complex adjustment devices, reducing system complexity while achieving the goal of uniform density across multiple heads.
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet discharge apparatus includes a plurality of dischargers and a control device. The plurality of dischargers discharge droplets. The control device acquires characteristic values of end portions of areas on which the droplets discharged by the plurality of dischargers land, from a measurement of the end portions. The control device adjusts the plurality of dischargers such that a difference between the characteristic values is within a range.