Inkjet Print Head Nozzle Clogging Prevention via Segmented Waste Ink Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet-type printing apparatuses face nozzle clogging issues due to ink drying or hardening, leading to poor ink discharge and reduced printing quality, especially during high-speed and continuous printing, as existing solutions like preliminary waste ink discharge can increase printing time.
Innovation Solution
A printing control method and apparatus that sets multiple regions on a print medium for ink discharge, including specific regions for waste ink discharge based on an indicator value predicting poor ink discharge, allowing for continuous ink flow without moving the print head, thus preventing nozzle clogging and maintaining high-speed printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waste ink is discharged preliminarily from the nozzle by moving the print head to a waste ink discharge position, then poor discharging of ink caused by nozzle clogging is improved, but printing time increases due to the time needed to move the print head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waste ink discharge function from the traditional print head movement mechanism. Instead of moving the entire print head to a waste ink position, the system uses a separate waste ink discharge nozzle that remains stationary or moves independently, separating the printing function from the waste ink discharge function. This eliminates the time penalty associated with moving the print head while still effectively discharging waste ink to prevent clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary waste ink discharge nozzle that acts as a mediator between the ink supply system and the waste ink receptacle. This intermediary component handles the waste ink discharge task without requiring the main print head to move, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining nozzle cleanliness and preserving printing speed.
2Reliability
If the print head is moved to discharge waste ink during continuous printing, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but high-speed printing is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ink discharge system into two independent parts: a main print head for printing and a separate waste ink discharge nozzle for waste ink removal. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously or independently without interfering with each other, enabling high-speed printing while continuously preventing nozzle clogging through waste ink discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous waste ink discharge through the separate nozzle during the printing process, rather than interrupting printing to move the print head. This continuous action maintains nozzle health without breaking the printing flow, preserving high-speed printing capability while preventing clogging throughout the entire printing session.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing control method for a printing apparatus that includes a controller, such that the controller:sets a plurality of first regions along a first direction on a print medium that is conveyed, and a plurality of second regions between two first regions of the plurality of first regions, on the basis of print data; andcauses ink to be discharged from a print head to the plurality of first regions so as to print on the basis of the print data and also causes ink to be discharged from the print head to the second region determined on the basis of an indicator value for predicting poor discharging of ink in the print head.