Inkjet Recording Head Deviation Adjustment for Bidirectional Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate recording position deviations across different paper sizes and directions, particularly when recording on smaller-sized sheets like L-size and 4×6 size, due to variations in the paper gap and nozzle array inclinations, leading to quality issues in bidirectional recording.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a pattern recording unit that adjusts recording position deviations by sequentially recording test patterns along the scanning direction, using a recording head with multiple nozzle arrays to discharge ink in both forward and backward directions, and a conveyance unit to handle different-sized media, ensuring accurate alignment and minimizing deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If bidirectional recording is performed to achieve high speed recording, then recording speed is improved, but recording position deviation occurs between forward and backward directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent records test patterns for recording position deviation adjustment before actual recording. By preliminarily capturing the deviation characteristics of the recording head in both forward and backward directions, the system can pre-calculate correction values and apply them during actual recording, thus maintaining high speed bidirectional recording while eliminating position deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses test pattern recording and measurement to obtain feedback information about recording position deviations. This feedback is then used to adjust and correct the recording timing or head position, forming a closed-loop control system that eliminates the harmful effects of bidirectional recording deviations.
2Manufacturing precision
If test patterns are recorded across the entire width in the scanning direction, then recording position deviation is adjusted, but recording time increases and more recording sheets are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential test pattern recording function needed for deviation adjustment, separating it from full-width test pattern recording. By recording test patterns only at specific positions (such as at the centers of different-sized media) rather than across the entire width, the system achieves sufficient deviation correction while significantly reducing recording time and sheet consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of recording test patterns across the entire width (excessive action), the patent records test patterns at selective key positions (partial action) that are sufficient for deviation adjustment. This partial recording approach provides adequate correction capability without the time and resource overhead of complete width coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If recording position deviation is adjusted for small-sized media, then recording quality is improved, but adjustment complexity increases for multiple media sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal test pattern recording method that works across multiple media sizes (A4, L-size, 4×6, etc.). By designing test patterns and adjustment procedures that are applicable to all media types, the system achieves high recording quality for each size without requiring separate complex adjustment mechanisms for each media type, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality adjustment by recording test patterns at specific locations appropriate for each media size (such as at the center or at positions that account for media dimensions). This localized approach tailors the adjustment to the specific media being used while maintaining a unified overall system, avoiding the need for completely different adjustment mechanisms for each media size.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus or a method for recording a pattern according to the present invention can record patterns for adjusting a recording position deviation between a forward direction and a backward direction of a scanning direction at a position in the scanning direction through which both of a first recording medium and a second recording medium smaller than the first recording medium in the scanning direction pass.