Inkjet Spit Pattern Clustering for Stable Nozzle Refresh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet imaging devices face issues with jetting stability due to ink evaporation, leading to print artifacts, as current spit patterns are not sparse enough, exceeding visibility limits and impacting print quality.
Innovation Solution
Implement a spit pattern with clusters of at least two sequential refresh dots from the same nozzle, spaced at specific intervals to maintain jetting stability with fewer refresh dots, using a method that includes determining optimal cluster and inter-cluster spacing to avoid visibility issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spit patterns with evenly distributed refresh dots are used, then jetting stability is maintained, but the number of refresh dots is too high causing visibility issues and reduced print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The spit pattern is segmented into clusters of multiple sequential refresh dots from the same nozzle, separated by larger intervals. This segmentation allows the refresh function to be concentrated in specific locations rather than evenly distributed, reducing the overall number of visible dots while maintaining jetting stability through the clustered refresh actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic clusters of refresh dots at strategically determined intervals along the print path. By using periodic action with varying intervals between clusters, the system maintains nozzle stability through regular refresh cycles while creating a pattern that is less visually detectable than uniform distributions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of refresh dots is reduced to create a sparser pattern, then print quality improves, but jetting stability deteriorates due to ink evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates and determines optimal spit patterns in advance based on print parameters such as print width, resolution, and media type. By performing preliminary calculation of cluster positions and intervals, the system proactively maintains jetting stability without requiring excessive refresh dots during actual printing, thus preserving print quality while preventing evaporation-related instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters of the spit pattern including cluster size, inter-cluster intervals, and positioning based on specific print conditions. By changing these parameters adaptively, the patent optimizes the balance between refresh frequency and visibility, maintaining jetting stability with minimal visible artifacts for different printing scenarios.
3Reliability
If refresh dots are distributed evenly across the print surface, then jetting stability is maintained, but the pattern becomes visible and print quality suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric distribution of refresh dot clusters rather than uniform spacing. By using asymmetric interval calculations and non-uniform positioning of clusters along the print path, the pattern breaks up visual regularity that makes spit patterns detectable, thereby maintaining jetting stability while reducing the visibility of the maintenance pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional uniform spacing to a more complex multi-dimensional pattern arrangement. By considering multiple dimensions including nozzle position, print width, and variable interval calculations, the system creates a spatial distribution that is less visually apparent while maintaining the functional effectiveness of refresh operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances jetting stability by reducing the number of required refresh dots, maintaining print quality while minimizing visibility, and extending the interval between refresh actions.
Implementation Method 1
nozzle openings through which ink droplets (or any other functional liquid) are expelled
Implementation Method 2
Due to evaporation of liquids inside or in the vicinity of the nozzle openings through which ink droplets (or any other functional liquid) are expelled, liquid (ink) properties may change
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of ink jet printing using an ink jet imaging device comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged for expelling droplets of an ink by actuation of an ink channel. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a bit map of a spit pattern comprising an arrangement of refresh dots to be printed by each of the plurality of nozzles;d) printing the bitmap of the spit pattern;characterized in that the spit pattern comprises a plurality of clusters of refresh dots, each cluster comprising at least two sequential refresh dots expelled from a single nozzle. The present invention further relates to a spit pattern for use in such a method.