Inkjet Recording Device Nozzle Synchronization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording devices face challenges in printing larger characters and logo marks due to limitations in ink particle size and processing speed, particularly when using multiple nozzles with independent control clocks, which can result in deviations in printing start timing and quality.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet recording device control method that includes a printing object detection step, charge control signal transmission, and synchronized printing control, where signals are transmitted from multiple processing units to ensure precise timing and synchronization of printing start signals, eliminating deviations in printing start timing and improving printing quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single MPU controls printing control of each nozzle in common, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed of information about printing dots is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol structureVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent MPUs, each dedicated to controlling specific nozzles. This segmentation allows parallel processing of printing information for different nozzle groups, thereby increasing overall processing speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If control is performed with a plurality of MPUs, then processing speed is improved, but a deviation in timing of starting the printing is incurred for each nozzle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprinting timing synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where each MPU monitors the printing start signals received from other MPUs and adjusts its own timing accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that all nozzles synchronized their printing start timing despite having independent control clocks, resolving the timing deviation issue while maintaining high processing speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a common reference timing level for all MPUs by having them wait for printing start signals from all other MPUs before initiating printing. This creates an equipotential timing state where all nozzles operate at the same timing level, eliminating deviations while preserving the parallel processing benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Device complexity

If an inkjet recording device with only one nozzle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the size of ink particle that can be deflected is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of nozzlesVSAvoidink particle size capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system is divided into multiple nozzle groups, each controlled by a dedicated MPU. This segmentation allows the device to handle larger ink particles by distributing the deflection task across multiple nozzles, thereby increasing adaptability to different ink particle sizes while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular control architecture

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 method enables high-precision printing control, ensuring accurate and synchronized operation of multiple nozzles, thereby enhancing the ability to print larger characters and logo marks while maintaining high processing speed and quality.

Implementation Method 1

a charge control signal transmission step of transmitting signals for controlling charges of a plurality of nozzles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic deflection: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3501831B1Inkjet recording device and inkjet recording device control method
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 HITACHI IND EQUIP SYST CO LTD
  • EP3501831B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3501831B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3501831B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is an inkjet recording device control method including: a printing object detection step of detecting a printing object; a charge control signal transmission step of transmitting signals for controlling charges of a plurality of nozzles at a timing when the printing object is detected in the printing object detection step and signals are received from all of a plurality of processing units; and a printing step of controlling the plurality of nozzles and performing printing on the basis of the signals for controlling the charges that have been transmitted in the charge signal transmission step.