Multi-Section Nozzle Group for Uniform Ink Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet printers face issues with non-uniformity in the depth of shade due to varying drying times of background images, leading to inconsistent image quality when printing with white and color inks.
Innovation Solution
A fluid ejecting apparatus with multiple nozzle groups and a controlling mechanism that moves and transports nozzles relative to the medium, allowing for precise control of image formation and drying times, ensuring consistent drying of background images before printing color images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the background image is printed with white ink and then dried before printing the color image, then ink running is prevented, but the drying time varies causing non-uniform depth of shade
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle group is divided into multiple functional sections: a first nozzle section for printing the background image with white ink, a second nozzle section for printing the color image, and a third nozzle section positioned between them that prints a drying promotion pattern. This segmentation allows independent control of each printing region and enables the drying promotion pattern to act as a buffer zone, ensuring uniform drying time across the entire background image while preventing ink running.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the third nozzle group is positioned downstream of the first nozzle group but upstream of the second nozzle group, then drying time is extended for the background image, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third nozzle group, although positioned to extend drying time, is configured to print a drying promotion pattern rather than serving as a traditional printing nozzle. This multi-functional design allows the third nozzle group to serve both as a positioning reference for the color image and as a drying promotion mechanism, reducing the need for separate drying equipment and minimizing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes first and second nozzle groups that eject first and second fluids respectively; a third nozzle group that does not eject any fluid; and a controlling section that performs image formation and transportation operations, including ejecting the first and second fluids while moving the first and second nozzle groups in a movement direction, and transporting the medium relative to the first and second nozzle groups in a predetermined direction. The controlling section performs control for forming a first image using the first nozzle group and for forming a second image on the first image using at least the second nozzle group. Relative to the predetermined direction, the first nozzle group is located upstream of the second nozzle group, and the third nozzle group is located downstream of the first nozzle group and is located upstream of the second nozzle group.