Nozzle Ejection Trajectory Detection via Parallel Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer technologies face challenges in detecting and correcting vertical trajectory errors of ink droplets, which are time-consuming and costly, especially for large nozzle count printers, affecting print image quality.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle ejection trajectory detection system using a light source, lens, and sensor arrangement that allows for simultaneous detection of vertical trajectories from multiple nozzles in a single focal state, employing infrared light and a two-dimensional array of sensing elements to redirect and focus light, enabling efficient error detection and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam scanning mechanism is used to detect droplet ejection trajectories, then detection capability is improved, but detection time and complexity increase significantly for large nozzle count printers
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system divides the large nozzle array into multiple smaller detection zones, each handled by a dedicated detector. This segmentation allows parallel detection of multiple nozzle groups simultaneously, reducing total detection time while maintaining precision for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detectors are combined to form a comprehensive detection system that covers the entire nozzle array. The detectors work in parallel to simultaneously monitor multiple ejection lines, transforming a sequential detection process into a parallel one that dramatically reduces detection time.
2Measurement precision
If individual refocusing is performed for each ejection line, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and detection cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single detector is designed to serve multiple ejection lines by detecting droplets across different spatial positions. The detector maintains measurement precision for all lines simultaneously through its positional resolution capability, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detectors or refocusing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from sequential line-by-line analysis to simultaneous multi-position detection. By capturing droplet positions across multiple lines in a single detection event, the system maintains precision while reducing complexity and eliminating refocusing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If sequential detection of multiple nozzles is performed, then detection precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system operates continuously by having multiple detectors simultaneously monitor multiple ejection lines without interruption. This continuous parallel detection maintains measurement precision for each line while maximizing detection throughput, as all nozzles are monitored concurrently rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and detection setup for all nozzles before actual detection begins. Once configured, all detectors operate simultaneously to detect trajectories across the entire array, enabling high-speed parallel detection that maintains precision while dramatically improving productivity.
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 system enables faster and less costly detection of vertical trajectory errors, allowing for enhanced print image quality by concurrently evaluating and correcting multiple nozzles without the need for refocusing, thus improving the overall efficiency of the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
light is reflected by the liquid droplets
Implementation Method 2
the reflected light from the liquid droplets is focused by a lens onto a detection plane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Light redirected by liquid droplets ejected from nozzles (30) of a plurality of columns (26, 226, 227) of nozzles (30) is sensed to detect a vertical trajectory of the liquid droplets for each of the nozzles (30).