Inkjet Timing Adjustment via Sensor Tolerance Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in accurately adjusting ink ejection timing due to fitting tolerance in reading sensors, leading to ink being ejected off-target during flushing, which can soil the conveying belt.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single reading sensor to acquire both opening and recording medium information, allowing for precise adjustment of ink ejection timing by calculating a delay time based on a test pattern's printed position, thereby correcting for sensor tolerance and ensuring ink is ejected through openings correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reading sensor is used to read both openings and recording media, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fitting tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of reading openings and reading recording media into a single reading sensor, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through functional integration and software-based correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correction value to adjust the reading position based on actual printing position feedback, dynamically changing the parameter of reading position to compensate for sensor fitting tolerance
2Ease of operation
If ink ejection timing is not corrected for sensor tolerance, then operation is simpler, but manufacturing precision deteriorates as ink is ejected off-target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the actual printing position of the test pattern to determine a correction value, which is then applied to adjust the ink ejection timing, creating a closed-loop control system that improves precision while maintaining operational simplicity
3Productivity
If ink is ejected during flushing without timing adjustment, then productivity is maintained, but object-affected harmful factors increase as ink soils the conveying belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the ink ejection timing parameter based on the correction value derived from test pattern position, ensuring ink is ejected at the correct time during flushing operations to pass through openings without soiling the conveying belt, thereby maintaining productivity while eliminating harmful effects
Data Source
AI summary
An ink ejection timing adjustment method on an inkjet recording apparatus includes an information acquiring step of acquiring at least recording medium information with a reading sensor, a printing step of printing a test pattern on a recording medium on a conveying belt, a calculating step of calculating a delay time by adding to a default set time a correction time corresponding to a correction value for ink ejection timing entered based on the printed position of the test pattern, and a setting step of setting the delay time as a predetermined time at the lapse of which after, as a result of the conveying belt turning, an opening passes a reading position a recording head starts to eject ink to the opening.