Parallel Inkjet Feeding and Pre-Processing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers require a significant amount of time to complete the first print job after a user initiates printing due to sequential paper feeding and pre-processing, which can be prolonged by the length of the paper feeding path.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus that enables parallel execution of medium feeding and pre-processing upon receiving a recording start command, utilizing a control system to coordinate the feeding and processing motors, allowing simultaneous feeding and pre-processing, and includes a transport mechanism driven by a common motor to reduce motor count and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If paper feeding is performed after pre-processing sequentially, then the structure is simple, but the time until printing of the first sheet is complete is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-processing of the liquid discharge portion before paper feeding starts. The control portion executes pre-processing (cleaning, cap opening, flushing) in advance while the medium is being fed, so that when printing is ready to start, the liquid discharge portion is already prepared. This resolves the contradiction by reducing the time loss without requiring complex sequential control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by making the pre-processing and paper feeding operations proceed simultaneously and continuously. The control portion coordinates both operations to run in parallel, ensuring that neither process waits for the other, thereby continuously reducing the total time until printing completion while maintaining manageable control complexity through coordinated timing.
2Productivity
If parallel execution of feeding and pre-processing is implemented, then printing speed is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of paper feeding and pre-processing into a single control portion that manages both operations simultaneously. By integrating the control functions and coordinating them through a unified control system, the patent achieves parallel execution that improves printing speed while avoiding the complexity that would arise from separate, independent control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion is designed to automatically execute pre-processing operations in advance based on predetermined sequences, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making during parallel execution. This preliminary planning of control actions simplifies the overall control system while maintaining high productivity through parallel operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used for feeding and processing, then operational flexibility is high, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the feeding motor to perform multiple functions: it drives both the paper feeding operation and the pre-processing operations (cap opening, flushing, cleaning). This multi-functional motor reduces the total number of motors required while maintaining the operational flexibility needed for different printing conditions and pre-processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the driving functions for feeding and processing into a single motor system. By combining these functions into one motor with coordinated control, the patent reduces device complexity and motor count while preserving adaptability through software-based control strategies that can adjust the motor's behavior for different operational requirements.
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 configuration significantly shortens the time from receiving the recording start command to initiating printing by allowing simultaneous medium feeding and pre-processing, and allows for postponed feeding in case of apparatus malfunctions, such as jamming, to ensure normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cap member that covers a nozzle of a head for ink discharge
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning process for suctioning liquid from the liquid discharge portion by generating negative pressure in the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a placement portion on which a medium is placed, a feeding portion that feeds the medium that is placed on the placement portion, a recording portion that has a liquid discharge portion that discharges liquid onto the medium that is fed by the feeding portion, a processing portion that executes pre-processing of the liquid discharge portion, and a control portion that performs control of the feeding portion and the processing portion or control of the feeding portion and the recording portion such that feeding of the medium and pre-processing are performed in parallel in a case where a recording start command is received in a state in which the processing portion faces the liquid discharge portion.