Media Discharge Regulation Control for Variable Ink Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium discharge devices adjust the movement of regulation units based solely on medium thickness, which can lead to improper positioning, causing media to ride on or move excessively, increasing heat and noise, and failing to account for factors like ink amount and discharge speed.
Innovation Solution
A control method for medium discharge devices that determines the retraction position of regulation units based on the amount of liquid ejected and discharge speed, adjusting the distance between regulation and retraction positions to accommodate varying ink loads and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amount of movement of the regulation unit is increased to prevent medium jump-out, then the medium positioning reliability is improved, but the heat and noise generated by the drive unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the retraction position variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the retraction position based on medium thickness, allowing the regulation unit to optimize its movement range for each specific medium type. This resolves the contradiction by enabling sufficient movement for thick media (improving reliability) while minimizing unnecessary movement for thin media (reducing heat and noise).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of retraction position based on medium thickness. By receiving thickness information and adjusting the retraction position accordingly, the system adapts the regulation unit's movement characteristics to match the specific medium being processed. This prevents excessive movement for thin media (reducing heat/noise) while ensuring adequate movement for thick media (maintaining reliability).
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the retraction position is set too close to the regulation position, then heat and noise are reduced, but the medium may ride on the regulation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the retraction position parameter based on medium thickness to prevent the medium from riding on the regulation unit. For thicker media that are more prone to jumping out, the retraction position is set farther away, providing sufficient clearance. For thinner media, the retraction position is closer, reducing unnecessary movement. This adaptive approach resolves the contradiction between preventing ride-on and reducing heat/noise.
3Reliability
If the retraction position is set too far from the regulation position, then medium jump-out is prevented, but the amount of movement of the regulation unit increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the retraction position dynamic rather than fixed, adjusting it based on medium thickness information. This allows the system to set the retraction position at the optimal distance for each medium type - far enough to prevent jump-out for thick media, but close enough for thin media to minimize unnecessary movement. This resolves the contradiction between preventing jump-out and reducing heat/noise from excessive movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A medium discharge device includes a loading stand configured to be loaded with a medium onto which a liquid was ejected by a printing device, a regulation unit that is movable between a regulation position at which a position of the medium discharged to the loading stand is regulated and a retraction position retracted from the regulation position, and a second control unit that controls the movement of the regulation unit. The second control unit determines the retraction position, based on an amount of the liquid ejected onto the medium by the printing device.