Adaptive Inkjet Print Head Distance and Sensor Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing machines face inefficiencies in processing different print jobs with various substrates, leading to unnecessary waste due to false positives from bad sheet sensors, as they do not adapt to the specific characteristics of each job, such as substrate thickness and ink quality.
Innovation Solution
A device that includes an adjustable inkjet print head and a bad sheet sensor with a machine control unit that adapts the distance between the print head and substrate, as well as the sensor's trigger threshold, based on the received print job characteristics, allowing for different print quality categories and operator input or automated settings to minimize waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed trigger threshold is used for the bad sheet sensor, then the sensor can detect dangerous substrates, but it causes false positives and unnecessary waste when processing different print jobs with varying substrate characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the trigger threshold adaptive rather than fixed. The machine control unit dynamically adjusts the trigger threshold based on the specific print job characteristics and substrate type being processed. This allows the system to optimize detection sensitivity for each job, reducing false positives while maintaining reliable detection of dangerous substrates, thereby minimizing unnecessary waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the trigger threshold parameter according to different print jobs. The machine control unit stores multiple trigger threshold values corresponding to different substrate types and print job characteristics, and selects the appropriate threshold before processing each job. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate detection without causing excessive waste.
2Device complexity
If the distance between the inkjet print head and substrate is fixed, then the printing operation is simple, but it cannot accommodate different substrate thicknesses and may cause collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the distance between the inkjet print head and substrate before the printing operation begins. The machine control unit receives information about the substrate thickness and print job requirements, then pre-adjusts the print head position to an appropriate distance. This preliminary adjustment ensures safe operation throughout the printing process without requiring complex real-time adjustments, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Reliability
If the trigger threshold is lowered to detect all potential dangers, then collision avoidance is improved, but substrate waste increases due to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the trigger threshold parameter based on print job characteristics. Instead of using a universally low threshold that causes false positives, the machine control unit selects appropriate threshold values matched to specific substrate types and print requirements. This parameter adaptation maintains high collision avoidance reliability while minimizing false positives and substrate waste.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the printing operation in an inkjet printing machine includes at least one inkjet print head disposed at an adjustable distance from a substrate to be printed on. A device receives a print job and a bad sheet sensor has a trigger threshold. A machine control unit adjusts the distance between the inkjet print head and the substrate to be printed on as well as the trigger threshold of the bad sheet sensor before or after the printing operation as a function of a received print job.