Modular Inkjet Cartridge Array for Page-Width Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional page-width printing devices face issues with printing speed limitations, complex ink supply systems, high fabrication costs, and the need for replacing entire platforms due to individual inkjet chip failures, which complicates maintenance and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular page-width array printing device with independently detachable inkjet cartridges and a simplified ink supply system, allowing for easy replacement of faulty cartridges and reduced fabrication complexity, enabling high-speed monochromatic or polychromatic printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If inkjet chips are arranged at the bottom of the supporting mechanism in a page-width array mode, then printing efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the whole printing platform must be replaced when one inkjet chip fails
Solution Approach 1:
The printing platform is segmented into multiple independent inkjet cartridges, each with its own inkjet chip. This allows individual cartridges to be replaced without affecting the entire printing platform, thus maintaining high printing efficiency while improving reliability through modular replacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective replacement of only the faulty inkjet cartridge rather than the entire printing platform. The functional cartridges are recovered and continue to operate, reducing waste and maintenance costs while maintaining system reliability.
2Speed
If a fixed supporting platform with nozzle array is used for page-width array mode, then printing speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated ink supply channels
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply system is segmented into individual ink reservoirs and supply channels for each inkjet cartridge. This modular approach enables high-speed page-width array printing while simplifying the overall system architecture, as each cartridge can be independently configured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing platform is designed to support both conventional moving mechanism mode and page-width array mode through the same basic structure. The modular inkjet cartridges can be arranged in different configurations, allowing the system to achieve high printing speed in array mode while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If inkjet chips are fixed on the supporting mechanism, then printing performance is maintained, but ease of repair deteriorates because individual chips cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
Each inkjet chip is packaged as part of a separate, replaceable inkjet cartridge module. This segmentation allows users to easily replace only the faulty cartridge without affecting other cartridges or the printing platform, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining consistent printing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inkjet cartridges are designed as disposable or easily replaceable units. When an inkjet chip fails, the entire cartridge can be quickly replaced with a new one, eliminating the need for complex repair procedures and ensuring consistent printing performance without requiring specialized maintenance.
4Device complexity
If conventional moving mechanism is used to transfer ink cartridge and paper, then device complexity is kept simple, but productivity is limited to 30-35 PPM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable supporting mechanism that can dynamically adjust the position and orientation of multiple inkjet cartridges. This dynamic configuration enables the system to achieve high-speed page-width array printing by optimizing the printing head arrangement, significantly increasing productivity from 30-35 PPM to much higher speeds while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-head vertical printing to multi-head array printing by adding horizontal dimensionality. Multiple inkjet cartridges are arranged in an array configuration, allowing simultaneous printing across the entire page width, thereby dramatically increasing printing speed without requiring overly complex mechanical systems.
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
Enhances printing efficiency and reduces costs by allowing individual inkjet cartridge replacement without replacing the entire platform, simplifies the ink supply system, and increases the convenience of assembling and maintaining the printing device.
Implementation Method 1
the ink within the ink cartridge is ejected onto a surface of the paper through an inkjet head
Data Source
AI summary
A page-width array printing device includes a page-width array printing mechanism including at least one page-width array printing module. The page-width array printing module includes a printing platform, a first page-width array printing unit and a second page-width array printing unit. The first page-width array printing unit includes a plurality of first inkjet cartridges. The second page-width array printing unit includes a plurality of second inkjet cartridges. The first page-width array printing unit and the second page-width array printing unit are in parallel with each other. The first inkjet cartridges and the second inkjet cartridges are staggered and independently and detachably disposed on the printing platform. Each of the first inkjet cartridges and the second inkjet cartridges includes an inkjet chip. The inkjet chip includes four ink supply channels and a plurality of nozzles so as to perform a monochromatic or polychromatic page-width array printing operation.