Inkjet Recording Device Nozzle Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-nozzle inkjet recording devices face challenges in simultaneously achieving precise control over ink droplet ejection velocity and weight, leading to variations that deteriorate image quality, particularly in halftone images and text/figures, as existing methods either suppress one parameter at the expense of the other.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a nozzle module with piezoelectric elements, a switching unit, a waveform generating unit, and an image recognizing unit to generate switch pulse width data, allowing for individual drive voltage adjustments to each nozzle, enabling precise control over either droplet velocity or weight based on pixel data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate fine adjustments are made to the drive voltage waveform for each nozzle to regulate ejection velocity, then ejection velocity precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple drive waveform generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive waveform generation functions into a single drive waveform generator. This single generator sequentially outputs different drive voltage waveforms to different nozzles, eliminating the need for multiple separate waveform generators while maintaining individualized velocity control for each nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive waveform generator operates periodically, sequentially outputting drive voltage waveforms to each nozzle in turn. This time-division multiplexing approach allows individualized control of each nozzle's ejection velocity without requiring simultaneous multiple waveform generation capabilities.
2Device complexity
If time-division method is used to apply drive voltage waveforms sequentially to each nozzle, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases because not all nozzles can eject simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by sequentially applying drive voltage waveforms to different nozzles at different time intervals. Each nozzle receives its optimized waveform in sequence, enabling individualized control while maintaining a simple single-generator architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive waveform generator dynamically switches between different waveform configurations for different nozzles. By adaptively changing the drive voltage waveform parameters for each nozzle based on real-time requirements, the system achieves both simplicity and effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If drive voltage waveform is optimized for ejection velocity, then velocity precision is improved, but ink droplet weight precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts drive voltage waveform parameters based on real-time detection of nozzle performance characteristics. By adaptively changing voltage amplitude, pulse width, and timing for each nozzle, the system optimizes both velocity and weight precision simultaneously rather than fixing parameters for one parameter at the expense of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect actual ejection performance and use this information to adjust drive voltage waveforms for each nozzle. This closed-loop control enables simultaneous optimization of both ejection velocity and ink droplet weight by continuously monitoring and adjusting parameters based on actual performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If drive voltage waveform is optimized for ink droplet weight, then weight precision is improved, but ejection velocity precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive waveform generator dynamically adjusts voltage parameters to prioritize either velocity or weight precision based on real-time requirements. By adaptively changing waveform characteristics for each nozzle, the system can optimize for the dominant error source without permanently sacrificing the other parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes drive voltage waveform parameters (amplitude, duration, shape) based on detected nozzle characteristics and performance requirements. By adjusting these parameters individually for each nozzle, the system can compensate for variations in both velocity and weight, prioritizing the more critical parameter while maintaining acceptable levels for the other.
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 solution allows for high-quality image recording by selectively prioritizing precision in droplet ejection velocity or weight, reducing variations and improving image density and clarity, especially in halftone images and text/graphs.
Implementation Method 1
Each piezoelectric element includes a common electrode and an individual electrode. The piezoelectric element is deformed when a potential difference is generated between the common electrode and the individual electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording device includes a nozzle module, a switching unit, a waveform generating unit, an image recognizing unit and a pulse width modulating unit. The image recognizing unit determines an ejection condition of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle while referring to ejection data indicating a type of each pixel to be recorded, and generates switch pulse width data that includes the ejection data and the ejection condition. The pulse width modulating unit generates the switch pulse based on the switch pulse width data. The switching unit opens and closes in response to a switch pulse. An opening duration of the switch unit is variable depending on the switch pulse.