Offset Nozzle Joints for Uniform Ink Concentration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face challenges in maintaining image quality due to concentration unevenness at the joints of multiple nozzle heads, leading to visible streaks and deteriorated print quality, especially when the positions of these joints deviate or overlap, affecting the printable width and image consistency.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with offset nozzle groups for different ink colors, where the joints of each group are positioned to avoid overlap and alignment issues, combined with a control unit that moves the nozzle groups and medium to ensure even ink distribution, and a storage unit for correction values to adjust gradation values based on test patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple nozzle heads are connected and disposed to increase printable image width, then the printable width is improved, but concentration unevenness occurs at the joint of the heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by offsetting the joint positions of different color nozzle groups in the head arrangement direction. Instead of aligning all joints at the same position, the joints are staggered along the width direction, transforming a one-dimensional alignment problem into a two-dimensional spatial distribution solution. This prevents overlapping of joint defects while maintaining increased printable width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different joint positions to different color groups (yellow, magenta, cyan) based on their specific characteristics. Each color group's joint is positioned at a unique location in the width direction, allowing localized optimization for each color channel. This local differentiation prevents universal concentration unevenness across all colors while maintaining overall image quality.
2Device complexity
If the positions of the joint of the heads are the same for all colors, then the structure is simplified, but the concentration unevenness is exacerbated due to overlapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by utilizing the width direction as an additional spatial dimension for differentiation. While the structural arrangement remains relatively simple, the joint positions are distributed along the width direction, creating a two-dimensional staggered pattern. This maintains ease of structure while preventing concentration unevenness overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the joint positioning of different color groups. Instead of symmetric alignment where all joints coincide at the same position, each color group's joint is positioned asymmetrically at a different location. This asymmetric distribution prevents overlapping defects while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Area of moving object
If additional nozzle heads are added to increase printable width, then the printable area is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic utilization of the existing nozzle heads by implementing relative movement between the nozzle groups and the medium in a direction crossing the predetermined direction. This dynamic scanning approach allows a limited number of nozzle heads to cover a larger printable area through coordinated movement, eliminating the need for additional fixed nozzle heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the printable width by utilizing the movement direction as an additional dimension. Instead of simply adding more nozzle heads in the width direction, the system uses relative movement to sweep the existing nozzle groups across the medium, effectively creating a two-dimensional printing coverage from a one-dimensional nozzle arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus is provided in which a position of a joint of a first yellow nozzle group and a second yellow nozzle group in a predetermined direction is offset from a position of a joint of a first magenta nozzle group and a second magenta nozzle group in a predetermined position and a position of a joint of a first cyan nozzle group and a second cyan nozzle group in the predetermined position, and the position of the joint of the first magenta nozzle group and the second magenta nozzle group in the predetermined position is the same as the position of the joint of the first cyan nozzle group and the second cyan nozzle group in the predetermined direction.