Inkjet Printer Nozzle Drying Prevention via Targeted Background Jetting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printers face challenges in maintaining the operational status of inkjets while minimizing the visibility of the sneeze pattern on printed images, as the frequency of inkjet firing needs to be sufficient to prevent nozzle drying without being objectionably dense.

Innovation Solution

The method involves identifying inkjets operating below an operational threshold, adding image data to the content data to increase the firing frequency of these inkjets, particularly in areas of high coverage density or at the edges of images, to ensure all inkjets operate at the threshold, thereby maintaining their operational status without making the pattern visible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sneeze pattern density is increased to maintain inkjet operational status, then the firing frequency of inkjets is sufficient to prevent nozzle drying, but the pattern becomes perceptible and objectionable on the print

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinkjet operational statusVSAvoidpattern visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of inkjets based on their individual usage patterns. The controller identifies specific inkjets that have been operated fewer times than others and selectively increases their firing frequency through targeted background jetting, rather than uniformly increasing all inkjet operations. This localized approach maintains operational reliability for underused inkjets while minimizing overall pattern density and visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by applying background jetting selectively only to inkjets that fall below the operational threshold, rather than operating all inkjets at maximum frequency. The controller adds image data specifically for identified inkjets that need additional firing, providing just enough action to maintain operational status without excessive operations that would make the pattern visible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the sneeze pattern density is decreased to minimize pattern visibility, then the print quality is improved, but the firing frequency of the inkjets may be insufficient to maintain the operational status of the inkjets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern visibilityVSAvoidinkjet operational status

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the operational status of each inkjet and comparing it against the operational threshold. The controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust background jetting operations, adding image data only when and where needed to maintain reliability without excessive pattern density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the firing frequency of individual inkjets based on real-time operational data. Rather than using a static pattern, the controller adapts the background jetting strategy by identifying which inkjets need additional operations and applying targeted corrections, making the system responsive to actual operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If background jetting is applied uniformly to all inkjets, then the operational status of all inkjets is maintained, but the pattern density increases and becomes perceptible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinkjet operational statusVSAvoidnumber of ink drops

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the inkjet population into different categories based on their operational status. The controller divides inkjets into those that meet the operational threshold and those that do not, applying background jetting only to the latter group. This segmentation allows selective operation of individual inkjets or subsets, reducing the total number of ink drops required compared to uniform background jetting across all inkjets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures that all inkjets in the printer are operated at the necessary frequency to prevent failure while keeping the sneeze pattern imperceptible on the printed media, maintaining print quality and extending the lifespan of the inkjets.

Implementation Method 1

Actuators in the printheads respond to the firing signals by expanding into an ink chamber to eject ink drops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

Each inkjet has a thermal or piezoelectric actuator that is coupled to a printhead driver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12194756B2System and method for operating an inkjet printer to attenuate ink drying in the inkjets during printing operations

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 XEROX CORP

AI summary

An inkjet printer and method of operating the inkjet printer modifies the image content data for an ink image to be printed on a media sheet to maintain the operational status of each inkjet in the inkjet printer. For each inkjet that is operated less than an operational threshold, image data is added to the image content data to operate each inkjet at the operational threshold.