Inkjet Nozzle Array Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing technologies face issues with temperature distribution in nozzle arrays during high-duty image printing, leading to deviations in driving pulse settings and resulting image density unevenness due to the placement of temperature detecting elements.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a temperature detection unit and a determination unit that adjusts driving pulses based on the distance of nozzles from the detection unit, using distinct temperatures for different nozzle groups to ensure appropriate ink ejection during first and second scanning phases in division control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a temperature detecting element is installed at one end of a nozzle array to control driving pulse, then temperature detection is simplified, but temperature distribution causes deviation between detected temperature and actual nozzle temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is divided into multiple groups based on distance from the temperature detecting element. Each group (first group within first predetermined distance, second group within second predetermined distance, third group beyond second predetermined distance) uses appropriate driving pulses selected based on its specific temperature characteristics, resolving the measurement accuracy issue by segmenting the control approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Different driving pulses are assigned to different nozzle groups based on their local temperature characteristics. Nozzles closer to the temperature detecting element receive different pulse settings than those farther away, accounting for the temperature distribution gradient and ensuring each region operates at optimal temperature.
2Manufacturing precision
If division control is used to print high-duty images by splitting nozzle array into upper and lower parts, then image quality is improved, but temperature distribution occurs in the nozzle array
Solution Approach 1:
The driving pulse parameters are dynamically changed based on the temperature characteristics of each nozzle group. By adjusting pulse width, amplitude, or frequency according to the distance from the temperature detecting element, the system compensates for temperature distribution effects and maintains consistent printing quality across all nozzle groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature detecting element provides continuous temperature feedback, which is used to select appropriate driving pulses for different nozzle groups. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to temperature changes and maintain optimal printing conditions despite the temperature distribution caused by division control.
3Ease of operation
If driving pulse is set according to temperature detecting element reading, then temperature control is simplified, but image density uniformity deteriorates due to temperature deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified temperature control approach is maintained by continuing to use a single temperature detecting element, but the system is segmented into multiple nozzle groups that each receive customized driving pulses. This segmentation allows the simple control structure to produce precise, uniform results across all nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining ease of operation through centralized temperature detection, local quality is achieved by assigning different driving pulse characteristics to different nozzle groups based on their distance from the temperature sensor. This ensures each local region receives the appropriate control parameters for uniform image density.
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
This approach allows for precise setting of driving pulses, maintaining consistent image density across the print medium by accounting for temperature variations within the nozzle array, thereby reducing image defects and improving printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature detecting element for detecting the temperature of a print head (or ink) is installed at one end of a nozzle array
Implementation Method 2
an inkjet printing apparatus that ejects ink from a print head by utilizing thermal energy generated by a heat generation element, such as a heater
Data Source
AI summary
In a case of executing first printing that printing is performed by using a first group, which includes nozzles of a nozzle array whose distances to a detection unit are less than a first predetermined value, and thereafter executing second printing that printing is performed by using a second group, which includes nozzles of the nozzle array whose distances to the detection unit are equal to or less than the first predetermined value and are equal to or more than a second predetermined value, a first driving pulse for the first printing is determined by using a first temperature, which is detected by the detection unit when the first printing is performed. A second driving pulse for the second printing is determined by use of a second temperature, which is derived based on the first temperature and corresponds to a temperature of the nozzles of the second group.