Oblique Inkjet Head Chips for High-Resolution Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face challenges in achieving high resolution and improved throughput without increasing printer size or compromising image quality, particularly due to the need for arranging multiple head modules in a staggered manner which can lead to deviations in dot landing positions during inkjet printing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus featuring obliquely arranged head chips with multiple nozzle rows, where the nozzles are inclined relative to both the conveying and orthogonal directions, allowing for closer nozzle spacing and improved alignment, thereby enhancing resolution and throughput while maintaining a compact printer size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple head modules are arranged side by side in the conveying direction to realize high resolution and improved throughput, then the resolution and throughput are improved, but the printer size increases and the separating distance between adjacent nozzles increases leading to deviation in dot landing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging head modules only in the conveying direction (one dimension) to arranging them in both the conveying direction and the orthogonal direction (two dimensions). Specifically, head modules are arranged in a staggered configuration where multiple heads are positioned side by side in the orthogonal direction while also being distributed along the conveying direction, creating a two-dimensional arrangement that increases throughput without proportionally increasing printer size in the conveying direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric staggering of head modules where heads are positioned at different locations relative to the conveying direction. The heads are arranged so that their nozzle surfaces are not uniformly aligned but are staggered in an asymmetric pattern, allowing for optimized spacing and reduced overall printer footprint while maintaining high throughput capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple head modules are arranged side by side in the conveying direction to realize high resolution and improved throughput, then the resolution and throughput are improved, but the separating distance between adjacent nozzles increases leading to deviation in dot landing positions
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the orthogonal direction to the arrangement, the patent creates a two-dimensional head module configuration. This allows adjacent nozzles from different heads to be positioned closer together in the orthogonal direction while maintaining appropriate spacing in the conveying direction, thereby improving throughput without compromising dot landing position precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different arrangement strategies to different spatial regions. In the orthogonal direction, heads are positioned to minimize separating distances for high resolution, while in the conveying direction, the staggering pattern ensures adequate spacing for precise dot placement. This localized optimization of head positioning achieves both high throughput and precise dot landing.
3Productivity
If heads are arranged in a staggered manner with multiple nozzle rows to improve throughput, then the throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the head module into multiple independent heads, each with its own nozzle row, arranged in a staggered configuration. This segmentation allows each head to operate independently while contributing to the overall throughput, and the modular structure simplifies the control and alignment mechanisms compared to a single complex head structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each head module in the staggered arrangement performs the same basic function of discharging liquid through its nozzle row, but collectively they provide multi-functionality by handling multiple discharge positions simultaneously. This universal design simplifies the overall system architecture as each module is identical and can be controlled using standardized mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid discharging apparatus including: first and second head chips. The first and second head chips are arranged obliquely so that extending directions of nozzle rows are inclined with respect to both of a conveying direction and an orthogonal direction. A plurality of nozzles of the first head chip includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle adjacent to each other in a same nozzle row. A plurality of nozzles of the second head chip includes a third nozzle and a fourth nozzle adjacent to each other in a same nozzle row. The third nozzle is arranged between the first and second nozzles and the second nozzle is arranged between the third and fourth nozzles in the orthogonal direction, or the first and third nozzles are at a same position and the second and fourth nozzles are at a same position in the orthogonal direction.