Inkjet Recording Head Airflow Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with ink droplet deviation due to strong airflow from discharge port arrays with larger ink discharge, affecting image quality, especially when smaller discharge port arrays are positioned near those generating strong airflow.
Innovation Solution
The recording head is configured such that discharge port arrays with small discharge port diameters are not arranged adjacent to those generating strong airflow, while arrays with medium or large diameters are positioned adjacent to the strong airflow discharge port arrays, reducing the susceptibility of ink droplets to airflow-related deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If discharge port arrays with small discharge port diameters are arranged near discharge port arrays generating strong airflow, then the recording head can be compact and all discharge port arrays can be utilized, but ink droplet landing position accuracy deteriorates due to airflow affecting smaller ink droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the arrangement strategy based on discharge port diameter. Discharge port arrays with small diameters (more susceptible to airflow) are positioned away from strong airflow sources, while arrays with medium or large diameters (less susceptible) are positioned adjacent to them. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing both compactness and landing accuracy for different types of discharge port arrays.
2Reliability
If discharge port arrays for basic colors are prioritized in arrangement, then image quality is maintained, but discharge port arrays with small diameters (including gray ink) may be adversely affected by airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the arrangement consideration beyond basic color inks to include gray ink and other non-basic color inks. By evaluating each discharge port array's susceptibility to airflow based on its diameter and positioning it accordingly, the patent ensures that both basic color and non-basic color inks maintain their landing accuracy, thereby preserving overall image quality while preventing deviations in any ink type.
Data Source
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AI summary
A discharge port array unit including discharge ports having a small discharge port diameter is not arranged in a position adjacent to a discharge port array unit generating a strong airflow, and a discharge port array unit including discharge port array having not a small discharge port diameter is arranged in the position adjacent to the discharge port array unit generating a strong airflow.