Inkjet Nozzle Uniformity Control via Reverberation Waveform Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording technologies fail to account for the temperature difference distribution within an inkjet head, leading to non-uniform ejection characteristics of nozzles, which affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus that includes a drive waveform generator, reverberation waveform receiver, and hardware processor to measure and control the ejection characteristics of nozzles by generating a characteristic distribution of reverberation waveforms, ensuring uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a single temperature sensor and heater are used to control ink temperature in the inkjet head, then the overall ink temperature can be maintained, but the temperature difference distribution within the inkjet head cannot be addressed, leading to non-uniform ejection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inkjet head into multiple measurement regions, with each region having its own reverberation waveform measurement capability. This segmentation allows independent temperature monitoring and ejection characteristic measurement for different nozzle groups, enabling localized control to address temperature distribution differences within the head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by measuring and controlling ejection characteristics specifically for nozzles in different temperature regions. By using reverberation waveform analysis to detect temperature-dependent characteristics of individual nozzles or nozzle groups, the system applies localized correction to compensate for temperature differences, ensuring uniform ejection performance across the entire head.
2Device complexity
If conventional temperature control methods are used without considering temperature distribution, then device complexity remains low, but image quality deteriorates due to non-uniform ejection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature sensing and control mechanisms with acoustic field-based reverberation waveform measurement. By analyzing the reverberation characteristics of ink within nozzles using acoustic waves, the system can infer temperature distribution and ejection characteristics without requiring physical temperature sensors in each nozzle, thus maintaining relatively simple device structure while achieving precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in reverberation waveforms that occur with temperature variations. By monitoring how reverberation frequency, amplitude, or time characteristics change with temperature, the system can detect temperature distribution and corresponding ejection characteristic variations, enabling control based on acoustic parameter analysis rather than direct temperature measurement.
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
The apparatus achieves uniform ejection characteristics across nozzles, enhancing image quality by stabilizing ink temperature and adjusting ejection parameters.
Implementation Method 1
residual vibration of a vibration plate is detected. Furthermore, a temperature detection means is described which detects the temperature of a liquid in a cavity of a droplet ejection head based on a vibration pattern of the detected residual vibration of the vibration plate
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the liquid in the cavity is adjusted based on the ambient temperature of the droplet ejection head detected by a temperature sensor and a detection value of the temperature detection means
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an inkjet recording apparatus including: a head that includes a plurality of nozzles configured to eject ink onto a recording medium; a drive waveform generator that generates drive waveforms to drive the respective plurality of nozzles; a reverberation waveform receiver that acquires reverberation waveforms generated in the respective plurality of nozzles to be measured in accordance with the drive waveforms; and a hardware processor that generates a characteristic distribution of the acquired reverberation waveforms and performs, based on the characteristic distribution, an ejection characteristic control process of controlling an ejection characteristic of the plurality of nozzles to be uniform.