Multi-ink Print Head Alignment via Auxiliary Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nail printing devices face alignment issues due to mounting play between the print head and carriage, leading to potential misalignment or printing on skin instead of nails, which existing correction methods do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A printing device with multiple nozzles that eject different colored inks for alignment pattern printing and auxiliary printing, utilizing a processor to control ink ejection based on alignment information, allowing for precise alignment adjustment using a dedicated adjustment sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a correction pattern is printed on the nail surface for alignment adjustment, then the printing position can be adjusted based on the image of the printing target surface, but the alignment accuracy is insufficient due to mounting play between the print head and carriage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by printing an auxiliary pattern before the alignment pattern on the adjustment sheet. This auxiliary pattern serves as a reference that enables more accurate alignment adjustment by providing additional positional information, thereby compensating for the mounting play between the print head and carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adjustment sheet as an intermediary element between the print head and the final printing target. This adjustment sheet contains both auxiliary patterns and alignment patterns, serving as a mediator that allows for precise alignment measurement and adjustment, thereby overcoming the reliability issues caused by mounting play.
2Ease of manufacture
If the print head is mounted with tolerances, then the device can be manufactured more easily, but the print head may wobble or misalign during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect and correct alignment deviations through the adjustment sheet and image processing. The alignment adjustment mechanism automatically compensates for mounting tolerances without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining printing precision despite easier manufacturing with larger tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by capturing an image of the adjustment sheet after printing the auxiliary and alignment patterns, then processing this image to detect actual printing positions. This feedback information is used to calculate and apply correction values, thereby compensating for alignment issues arising from manufacturing tolerances.
3Device complexity
If alignment adjustment is performed using a single color ink, then the process is simpler, but the service life of the print head is reduced due to uneven ink consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functions to different nozzles during the alignment process. One nozzle prints the auxiliary pattern while another prints the alignment pattern, allowing for differentiated ink consumption patterns that can be optimized for each nozzle's performance, thereby extending overall print head service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by printing only specific patterns (auxiliary and alignment patterns) on the adjustment sheet rather than full-color images. This selective printing approach allows for testing and adjusting individual nozzles or ink channels, enabling more balanced ink consumption across all nozzles and extending print head longevity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a printing device including: a first nozzle that ejects a first ink; a second nozzle that ejects a second ink; a third nozzle that ejects a third ink; and at least one processor that, upon performing alignment adjustment of one nozzle preparing one of the first nozzle and any of the second nozzle and the third nozzle for alignment pattern printing and the other of the first nozzle and any of the second nozzle and the third nozzle for auxiliary printing, controls to eject any of the first to third inks selected based on ejection information from among the second ink in the second cartridge and the third ink in the third cartridge, from any of the first to third nozzles for the alignment pattern printing or the auxiliary printing. The first ink, the second ink and the third ink have different colors from each other.