Multi-directional Single Pass Printing Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face a slowdown in print frequency when the number of slots exceeds the number of data channels, leading to increased cycles for data loading, which in turn slows down the print speed.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional single pass printing apparatus and method that utilize a direction bit to select print slots and a data multiplexing module to forward data to appropriate slots, maintaining the same dot placement order regardless of print head direction, thereby doubling print speed without increasing the number of bond pads or channels per slot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of slots is increased to accommodate more ink colors, then the color printing capability is improved, but the print frequency slows down due to increased data loading cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic slot selection based on a direction bit that changes depending on the print head travel direction. The data multiplexing module dynamically routes data to different slots (first set vs. second set) based on whether the print head is moving in the first or second direction, allowing the system to adapt its data loading pattern to maintain high print frequency while supporting multiple ink colors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the data loading process by utilizing bidirectional print head movement. Instead of loading data sequentially in one direction only, the system loads data for both forward and reverse travel directions, effectively doubling the data loading capacity without adding physical channels. This dimensional approach allows more slots to be serviced within the same time frame
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of slots exceeds the number of data channels, then more ink colors can be printed, but the print speed decreases due to multiple data loading cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between loading data for first-direction travel and second-direction travel in successive time periods. The direction bit periodically switches between first and second values, causing the data multiplexing module to alternately service different slot sets. This periodic pattern ensures that all slots receive their data within two time periods, maintaining high print speed while supporting multiple ink colors
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-loading data for both travel directions before actual printing begins. The direction bit is set in advance to indicate which direction data should be loaded, and the data multiplexing module prepares the appropriate slot data beforehand. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time during printing, maintaining high print speed
3Productivity
If additional channels or bond pads are added to increase print speed, then print frequency improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing data channels universal by enabling them to service multiple slots through bidirectional operation. The same data channel can load data for slots in the first travel direction during one pass and for slots in the second travel direction during the return pass. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve higher effective print frequency without adding physical channels or bond pads, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the data loading capability by utilizing the return trip of the print head. Instead of adding duplicate physical channels, the system copies the data loading function to operate in reverse direction, effectively doubling the data throughput capacity of the existing channel infrastructure without increasing hardware complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional single pass printing apparatus may include a print head comprising a collection of slots. The collection of slots may include a central slot for delivering a central slot fluid type, a first serial arrangement of first slots on a first side of the central slot to deliver a first series of respective fluid types and a second serial arrangement of second slots on a second side of the central slot opposite the first side. The second series of slots are to deliver a second series of respective fluid types, wherein the second series of respective fluid types mirror the first series of respective fluid types with respect to the central slot fluid type.