Inkjet Printing Apparatus Multi-Row Nozzle Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing on non-white or transparent media requires multiple layers of ink to prevent color mixing and ensure accurate image display, complicating the printing process and requiring additional steps such as pre-printing white ink layers.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing method and apparatus with print heads arranged in multiple rows to simultaneously print five layers, including color images, white ink layers, and black or gray coating layers, allowing for efficient two-layer color image formation on transparent media with reduced back-and-forth media transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of ink are printed on transparent media to prevent color mixing and ensure accurate image display, then image quality and color saturation are improved, but the printing process complexity and the number of required printing passes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into multiple independent print head groups (first group with color print heads, second group with white ink print heads) arranged in rows. Each group handles specific printing tasks simultaneously, allowing complex multi-layer printing to be divided into parallel operations that reduce overall process complexity while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential single-pass printing to multi-dimensional parallel printing by arranging print heads in multiple rows and groups that operate simultaneously on different layers. This dimensional expansion of the printing system allows five layers to be printed in one pass through coordinated operation of different print head groups
2Productivity
If five layers of ink are printed through single media transport to form two-layer color images on transparent media, then productivity is improved, but the alignment precision and control complexity of print heads increase
Solution Approach 1:
Print heads are segmented into distinct groups (first group for color images, second group for white ink layers) with each group containing specific rows of print heads. This segmentation allows independent control and positioning of each group, facilitating precise alignment while maintaining high productivity through parallel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinated control system that acts as an intermediary between multiple print head groups and the media transport mechanism. This control system synchronizes the operation of different print head groups, ensuring precise alignment and coordination during single-pass five-layer printing
3Manufacturing precision
If white ink layers are printed to shield color images from the base color of non-white media, then color accuracy is improved, but the number of printing layers and ink consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
White ink layers are applied selectively only where color images need to be printed on non-white or transparent media, rather than uniformly across the entire media surface. This localized application maintains color accuracy where needed while reducing overall ink consumption
Solution Approach 2:
White ink layers are printed in advance before color images are applied, preparing the media surface with appropriate background coverage. This preliminary action ensures color accuracy is achieved efficiently in a single coordinated pass rather than requiring multiple corrective printing operations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an inkjet printing method using an inkjet printing apparatus, the method including: Control the print heads in the first row of the first group on carriage to print the first color printing image on the transparent media. Control the first nozzle section on print heads in the second row of the second group on carriage to print the first white ink layer on the first color printing image. Control the second nozzle section on black ink print head in the second row of the first group on carriage to jet black ink to form coating layer on the first white ink layer. Control the third nozzle section on print heads in the second row of the second group on carriage to print the second white ink layer on the said coating layer. Control the print heads in the third row of the first group on carriage print the second color printing image on the second white ink layer. The print heads are arranged in three rows in this invention. The print heads in the second row are divided into three nozzle sections. With a single direction transport of the transparent media rather than back and forth transport, double sides images can be formed through five layers printing on the transparent media by controlling three nozzle sections on black and white ink print head in the second row.