Inkjet Printhead Array for High-Resolution Absorbent Article Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing of absorbent article substrates at high production speeds while maintaining desired print resolutions is challenging due to the limitations of printhead firing frequencies, which often require either reducing production speeds or compromising on print quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple printheads arranged along the machine direction, each operating at different firing frequencies, to create combined printed zones that achieve the desired machine direction print resolution, exceeding the maximum firing frequencies of individual printheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single printhead operates at maximum firing frequency to achieve desired print resolution, then print quality is improved, but production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing function into multiple independent printheads (first printhead and second printhead) arranged along the machine direction. Each printhead operates at its maximum firing frequency to create printed zones, and the combination of these zones achieves the desired overall print resolution. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high production speeds while achieving high print resolution, as each printhead can operate independently at optimal frequencies.
2Productivity
If production speed is increased beyond single printhead capabilities, then productivity is improved, but print resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the printing system from a single printhead to multiple printheads arranged in the machine direction (adding a spatial dimension). By distributing the printing function across multiple printheads positioned at different locations along the machine direction, the system can accommodate higher substrate speeds while maintaining print resolution through the combined output of multiple printheads operating at their maximum frequencies.
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 approach allows for high-speed production of absorbent articles with desired print resolutions, overcoming the limitations of single printhead maximum firing frequencies and maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
drop-on-demand inkjet printheads may be configured to discharge ink from orifices in the printhead onto an area of a substrate advancing in a machine direction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The methods and apparatuses herein relate to inkjet printing a substrate at a desired print resolution. A substrate advances at a first speed under the first printhead and the second printhead such that a desired print resolution exceeds the maximum print resolutions of a first printhead and a second printhead. When the substrate is advancing at the first speed, the first printhead ejects ink onto the advancing substrate at a first firing frequency to create a first printed zone, and the second printhead ejects ink onto the advancing substrate at a second firing frequency to create a second printed zone. In turn, the first printed zone and the second zone together define a printed region having the desired print resolution.