Inkjet Precoat Jet Detection Using Diagnostic Print Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous inkjet printing systems face issues with image quality on uncoated porous media due to ink absorption, and there is a need to detect uniformity and placement of precoat solutions to maintain image quality and facilitate recycling.
Innovation Solution
A method using diagnostic media with predetermined patterns for precoat solution deposition, followed by ink composition droplets, and image capture for analysis to identify missing or misdirected jets in printheads, allowing for corrective maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precoat solution is applied to uncoated porous media to reduce ink absorption, then image quality is improved, but detection of uniformity and placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a colored ink composition over the precoat solution to create a visible pattern that indicates the uniformity and placement of the precoat. The color change or visible interaction between the colored ink and precoat solution provides a diagnostic method to detect precoat application quality without requiring complex measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If diagnostic media with predetermined patterns is used to detect printhead defects, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified diagnostic media with predetermined patterns that can be easily copied or reproduced. The diagnostic media contains test patterns that when printed with the precoat solution and colored ink, create visible results that indicate printhead jet functionality. This copying approach allows for simple, repeatable diagnostics without complex equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printheads are used for precoat and ink deposition, then printing functionality is improved, but difficulty of detecting missing or misdirected jets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diagnostic function with the regular printing function by using the same printheads for both precoat deposition and colored ink deposition. The predetermined patterns on the diagnostic media are designed to work with the multi-printhead system, allowing simultaneous diagnosis of multiple printheads through a single integrated process rather than separate testing procedures.
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
Enables quick and accurate detection of printhead defects, ensuring uniform precoat application and improved image quality on various media types, including uncoated papers.
Implementation Method 1
depositing a precoat solution onto the diagnostic media in a first predetermined pattern
Implementation Method 2
depositing a plurality of droplets of at least one ink compositions onto the diagnostic media in a second predetermined pattern
Implementation Method 3
capturing an image of a printed pattern on the diagnostic media
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting missing or misdirected jets in a drop on demand delivery system for media priming in an inkjet printing application includes passing a diagnostic media in proximity to a first printhead may include a plurality of ejector jets. The method includes firing each of the plurality of jets onto the diagnostic media to deposit a precoat solution onto the diagnostic media in a first predetermined pattern, followed by depositing a plurality of droplets of at least one ink compositions onto the diagnostic media in a second predetermined pattern. An image of the diagnostic sheet can be captured and the printed pattern analyzed to detect missing or misdirected jets of a printhead configured to deposit a precoat solution or a primer solution.