Inkjet Printing Resolution and Speed Contradiction

Solution Overview

Problem

Enhancing printing resolution in inkjet systems leads to a decrease in printing speed, as higher resolution requires shorter ink drop ejection intervals, which can result in printing failures and increased production costs due to the need for additional scan times and complex alignment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method where reference signals are sent at intervals shorter than the minimum time interval for ink ejection, with at least two signals counted as one, allowing for adjusted ink ejection timing without changing the moving speed of the ink head, enabling high apparent resolution printing without decreasing overall printing speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the resolution is enhanced by increasing the ejection frequency, then the definition and quality of the print pattern are improved, but the printing speed decreases and the time necessary for printing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting resolutionVSAvoidprinting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the ejection frequency variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the ejection frequency based on the position of the ink head during movement, allowing higher ejection frequencies (for better resolution) when the ink head is stationary or moving slowly, and lower ejection frequencies (for faster printing) when the ink head moves at high speed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between resolution and printing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of ejection frequency according to the movement state of the ink head. By monitoring the position and speed of the ink head, the system adjusts the ejection frequency parameter in real-time, enabling high resolution when needed and fast printing when the ink head is in motion. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize both resolution and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the ejection frequency is increased to enhance resolution, then the print pattern definition is improved, but printing failures may occur when exceeding the limit ejection frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting resolutionVSAvoidprinting reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the ejection frequency based on the actual movement state of the ink head, ensuring that the ejection frequency never exceeds the limit ejection frequency of the ink head. When the ink head moves at high speed, the system automatically reduces the ejection frequency to maintain reliability, while still achieving high resolution when the ink head is stationary or moving slowly. This dynamic control prevents printing failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device monitors the position and movement state of the ink head in real-time and uses this feedback to adjust the ejection frequency accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the ejection frequency remains within the safe operating limits of the ink head, preventing printing failures while maximizing resolution performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the number of scan times is doubled to achieve higher resolution, then the resolution in both vertical and horizontal directions is improved, but the time necessary for printing is further doubled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting resolutionVSAvoidprinting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the ejection frequency variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the ejection frequency based on the position of the ink head during movement, allowing higher ejection frequencies (for better resolution) when the ink head is stationary or moving slowly, and lower ejection frequencies (for faster printing) when the ink head moves at high speed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between resolution and printing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning of the ink head at optimal locations before requiring high-resolution printing. By planning the movement path and positioning the ink head strategically, the system can achieve high resolution with fewer scan times, as the ink head is already in the correct position for efficient ink ejection without requiring multiple redundant scans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9533498B2Printing method and printing device

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A printing method and a printing device, in which printing quality can be maintained without increasing time necessary for printing even if resolution is enhanced. In the printing method, a reference signal is sent at intervals shorter than a minimum time interval at which an ink head provided with plural nozzles can eject ink, at least two reference signals set longer than the minimum time interval are counted as one count, the ink is ejected every one count, and a print pattern is formed by collectivity of the ejected ink. At least a final one count used to form the print pattern is adjusted so as to be lengthened by one or plural reference signals, and the ink is ejected every one count.