Time-Divisional Nozzle Array Driving for Ink Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing technologies face challenges in maintaining printhead discharge stability due to differences in ink discharge amounts between large and small nozzle arrays, leading to ink imbalances and potential discharge errors.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a printhead that employs time-divisional driving of nozzle blocks, alternating selection of blocks from both nozzle arrays, and dedicated buffers for each array to manage ink discharge and prevent imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If time-divisional drive is used to improve ink supply speed and stability, then power consumption is reduced, but ink imbalances occur between large and small nozzle arrays leading to discharge errors
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle arrays are divided into separate first and second nozzle arrays with different nozzle diameters, allowing independent control and time-divisional driving of each array. This segmentation enables the system to manage ink discharge from different nozzle types separately, preventing ink imbalances that would occur if all nozzles were driven simultaneously or in a mixed sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between driving the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array in time-divisional manner. Each array is driven in alternating time periods, allowing the ink supply system to refill and balance ink between arrays during the transition periods, thereby maintaining discharge stability while achieving high ink supply speed.
2Productivity
If large nozzle array discharges more ink than small nozzle array, then printing efficiency is improved, but ink imbalance occurs in common ink chamber leading to discharge errors
Solution Approach 1:
By periodically alternating between driving the first nozzle array (with larger ink discharge) and the second nozzle array (with smaller ink discharge), the system allows the common ink chamber to balance ink levels during transition periods. This periodic action prevents sustained ink imbalances that would occur with continuous driving of only one array type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using different nozzle diameters (first nozzle diameter larger than second nozzle diameter) and controlling their driving timings differently. This parameter differentiation allows the system to optimize for both high productivity (using larger nozzles when needed) and discharge accuracy (using smaller nozzles and alternating timing to balance ink consumption).
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
This approach enhances printhead discharge stability by ensuring balanced ink refill and reducing errors, allowing for high-quality and efficient printing.
Implementation Method 1
The electrothermal transducers are generally provided in a compression chamber. An electrical pulse serving as a print signal is applied to the electrothermal transducers to give thermal energy to the ink.
Implementation Method 2
An abrupt phase change of the ink, i.e., the pressure of bubbles generated upon vaporization, is used to discharge the ink.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus prints on a printing medium by using a printhead which has a first nozzle array including a plurality of nozzles from which a first nozzle amount of the ink is discharged and a second nozzle array including a plurality of nozzles from which a second nozzle amount of the ink is discharged. This printing apparatus time-divisionally drives a plurality of blocks obtained by dividing each of the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array. The printing apparatus selects, from the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array, a block to be driven by the driving unit within a predetermined period. This printing apparatus controls the selection unit to alternately select a block from the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array and sequentially select a block from each nozzle array in a predetermined order.