Inkjet Nozzle Timing Control for Cross-Talk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jetting from multiple nozzles in ink-jet heads often results in variations in jetting speeds and image reproducibility due to cross-talk phenomena, leading to non-uniform images when ink is jetted concurrently from multiple nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine optimal jetting timings by forming images with varying delay times between nozzles and evaluating these images to select the best delay time combination that minimizes cross-talk, ensuring consistent ink-jetting characteristics across all nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ink is jetted concurrently from multiple nozzles, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to cross-talk causing variation in jetting speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the concurrent jetting process into sequential segments by assigning different delay times to different nozzle groups. Nozzles are divided into first nozzles and second nozzles, with the second nozzles jetting at a delayed timing relative to the first nozzles. This segmentation reduces cross-talk between nozzles while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the jetting timing of different nozzle groups based on their spatial positions and cross-talk characteristics. By optimizing delay times for different nozzle combinations, the system adapts the jetting schedule to minimize interference while maximizing throughput, transforming a static concurrent jetting approach into a dynamic时序 control system.
2Manufacturing precision
If delay time is increased between nozzles, then manufacturing precision is improved by reducing cross-talk, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different delay time characteristics to different nozzle groups based on their local cross-talk characteristics. Nozzles are classified into first nozzles and second nozzles with different timing requirements. This localized timing optimization ensures that each nozzle group receives the appropriate delay treatment to minimize cross-talk without uniformly increasing the overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the delay time parameter within a specific range (0.05 to 0.5 microseconds) to achieve the best balance between reducing cross-talk and maintaining productivity. By carefully selecting and adjusting this timing parameter, the system minimizes image non-uniformity while avoiding excessive cycle time extension.
Data Source
AI summary
In a liquid-droplet jetting apparatus such as an ink-jet head having a plurality of nozzle rows formed therein, an ink is jetted from one of the nozzle rows and the ink is jetted from another nozzle row concurrently while changing delay times by each of which a jetting timing for the nozzle row is delayed with respect to a jetting timing for the another nozzle row. Then, an optimum image is determined among images formed by the ink jetted from these two nozzle rows, and a delay time in the jetting timings is extracted, among the delay times, which correspond to the optimum image. By determining the delay time in the nozzle rows in such a manner, the variation in jetting characteristics is small in the nozzle rows, thereby realizing satisfactory reproducibility of image.