Inkjet Print Head Temperature Control via Dynamic Wait Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing technologies face challenges in maintaining consistent head temperature during serial printing, leading to image unevenness due to varying wait times and ink permeability, especially when head temperature changes sharply during printing.
Innovation Solution
A method where the wait time between scans is dynamically adjusted based on the print head's temperature, increasing by a predetermined time when the temperature exceeds a first threshold and decreasing when it falls below a second threshold, to maintain optimal cooling and prevent abrupt changes in ink permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If wait time is extended to cool the print head, then temperature stability improves, but printing productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wait time adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the wait time between scans based on real-time head temperature measurements, extending wait time when temperature is high and reducing it when temperature is low, thus optimizing both cooling effectiveness and printing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring head temperature with a temperature sensor and using that information to adjust wait times. The control unit receives temperature data, compares it against threshold values, and modifies wait time accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that balances cooling needs with printing efficiency
2Temperature
If wait time is frequently re-set due to temperature fluctuations, then temperature control improves, but image quality deteriorates due to varying ink permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively adjusting wait time before significant temperature-driven ink permeability changes occur. By monitoring temperature trends and anticipating when re-setting will be needed, the system smooths out wait time changes to prevent abrupt ink absorption variations that would degrade image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a minimum wait time constraint and gradual adjustment mechanisms. These cushioning measures prevent excessive or abrupt wait time changes that would cause ink permeability shocks, thereby protecting image quality while still enabling effective temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a print unit, an acquisition unit, and a setting unit. The print unit performs printing on a sheet by repeating reciprocating scans of a print head. The acquisition unit acquires information on a temperature of the print head. The setting unit sets a wait time to start a next scan after one scan. The setting unit increases the wait time by a predetermined additional time for each subsequent scan once a value acquired by the acquisition unit exceeds a first threshold, unless the value falls below a second threshold.