Inkjet Printing Apparatus Parallel Prep Reduces FPOT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording devices face challenges in shortening the First Paper Output Time (FPOT) due to the need for precise timing of preparatory operations such as voltage boosting, cap movement, and inkjet head positioning, which are often executed sequentially, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An improved inkjet printing apparatus with a controller that executes voltage boosting, cap movement, and inkjet head positioning simultaneously, allowing for parallel execution of preparatory processes like flushing and sheet conveyance, ensuring timely and efficient start of the recording operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preparatory operations (voltage boosting, cap movement, inkjet head positioning) are executed sequentially, then each operation can be performed reliably, but the First Paper Output Time (FPOT) is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting preparatory operations (voltage boosting, cap movement, inkjet head positioning) before the recording operation is actually needed. The controller initiates these operations in advance based on predicted timing, so that when the recording operation starts, all preparatory steps are already complete or nearly complete, thereby reducing FPOT while maintaining reliability through careful timing coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential execution (one-dimensional time progression) to parallel execution (multi-dimensional time-space coordination) of preparatory operations. By running voltage boosting, cap movement, and inkjet head positioning simultaneously in different spatial zones, the system reduces total preparation time while maintaining the reliability of each individual operation through independent control and timing management.
2Loss of time
If preparatory operations are executed in parallel, then the First Paper Output Time (FPOT) is shortened, but the coordination complexity and risk of timing errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the preparatory operations into distinct functional modules (voltage boosting module, cap movement module, inkjet head positioning module, sheet conveyance module), each with its own control logic and timing parameters. This segmentation allows parallel execution while managing complexity through modular design, where each segment can be independently optimized and controlled without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the status of each preparatory operation and adjusts timing accordingly. Sensors detect the completion of individual operations (voltage reach, cap position, head position, sheet position) and feed this information back to the controller, which coordinates the start and end of each operation to ensure optimal timing and reduce FPOT while maintaining system reliability.
3Speed
If voltage boosting is performed before cap movement and positioning, then the inkjet head is ready for ejection, but ink droplet ejection errors may occur during sheet facing area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing voltage boosting before the inkjet head reaches the sheet facing area, but coordinates this with cap movement and positioning so that the cap remains in place during voltage boosting. This preliminary voltage preparation ensures the inkjet head is ready for immediate ejection when reaching the sheet, while the cap protects against premature ejection errors during the preparation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary protective element during the preparatory phase. While voltage is being boosted and the inkjet head is being positioned, the cap remains in place to prevent accidental ink droplet ejection. The cap is timed to move away just before the inkjet head reaches the sheet facing area, ensuring that voltage boosting is complete and the system is ready for precise ejection without errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of an inkjet printing apparatus is configured to raise a driving voltage to a target voltage, move the cap for an inkjet head from a covering position to a spaced position, and move a carriage, from which the cap is spaced, from a first position to a second position, simultaneously. The controller is further configured to cause the inkjet head to eject the ink toward an ink receiver in response to completion of boosting of the driving voltage and moving of the cap to the spaced position, and cause the conveyer to convey the sheet and cause the inkjet head to eject the ink in accordance with the recording command, in response to receipt of a recording command which instructs recording of an image on the sheet through a communication device, and completion of flushing.