Inkjet Recording Apparatus Inspection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses face increased complexity and cost when performing inspection and adjustment due to the need for separate recording media and mechanisms for test images, which complicates the relative motion and control of the recording medium and imager.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus that uses a second recording medium positioned between the head unit and the conveying path, allowing for test image recording and imaging without altering the normal conveying direction, thereby simplifying the mechanism and reducing costs by using the same structure for both inspection and maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate recording medium is inserted from a direction different from the normal conveying direction to perform test image recording, then inspection and adjustment can be performed, but the mechanism for relative motion becomes complicated and control burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the normal conveying path serve dual functions: it conveys recording media for both normal image recording and test image recording. The control unit enables the recording head to perform both regular printing operations and inspection operations using the same conveying mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate inspection-specific conveying path and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the inspection function into the normal conveying path by positioning the recording head to record test images on recording media that are already present in the conveying path. This combines what would traditionally be separate functions (normal recording and inspection recording) into a single integrated system, reducing the number of separate mechanisms required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate recording medium is inserted from a direction different from the normal conveying direction, then test image recording can be performed, but the cost and size increase to obtain sufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit enables the recording head to perform multiple functions using the same hardware infrastructure. By controlling the recording head to output test images during normal operation on media already present in the conveying path, the system avoids the need for separate inspection hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining inspection capability.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If recording media originally for image output is used for test image recording, then inspection can be performed, but costs increase when the recording media is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by recording test images selectively on only some of the recording media that pass through the conveying path, rather than using all media for full-quality image recording. The control unit identifies appropriate media for test recording and performs inspection operations on those, reducing overall media consumption costs while maintaining adequate inspection capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes, an ink ejector which includes a nozzle and which ejects ink from the nozzle; a first conveyor which conveys a first recording medium in a predetermined first direction facing an ink ejecting surface of the ink ejector; a second conveyor which moves a second recording medium between the ink ejector and a conveying path of the first recording medium along a predetermined second direction; and an imager which is positioned on a moving path along the second direction of the second recording medium and which images a surface of the second recording medium throughout a width in which the ink ejector can record on the second recording medium in a direction intersecting with the second direction.