Precoat Jet Detection Using Inline Scanning for Inkjet Print Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink jet printing systems face challenges in maintaining image quality and print permanence on uncoated media due to ink absorption, necessitating the use of precoat solutions, while ensuring consistent and reliable application of these solutions is crucial for effective print quality and recyclability.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for detecting missing jets in precoat solution application using a printhead, involving a diagnostic sheet printed with a high-contrast color, followed by application of a precoat solution, and analyzing the media with an inline scanner to identify defects, allowing for real-time correction and adjustment of printhead operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If precoat solution is applied to uncoated porous media, then ink absorption is reduced and image quality is improved, but inconsistent application of precoat solution causes defects and poor print quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecoat solution application consistencyVSAvoidprint quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by applying a test pattern of ink drops to the media before the actual printing process. This test pattern is used to verify precoat solution application and detect missing jets in advance, allowing correction before production printing begins, thus ensuring consistent precoat application and print quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using an inline scanner to detect the test pattern after precoat application. The scanner provides real-time information about precoat consistency and jet functionality, enabling the system to identify and correct issues such as missing jets or inconsistent precoat application before they affect production printing quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If inline scanning is used to detect precoat application defects, then real-time detection and correction is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inline scanner serves multiple functions: it detects precoat solution application quality, verifies test pattern integrity, identifies missing jets, and provides feedback for process control. By making the scanner multi-functional, the system achieves precise defect detection without adding separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures uniform and consistent precoat solution application, improving image quality and de-inkability on uncoated media, maintaining print quality and enabling efficient recycling by detecting and correcting missing jets in real-time.

Implementation Method 1

jetting a plurality of drops of a first ink onto the print media to form a solid patch of the first ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

passing the print media through a dryer to dry the solid patch of the first ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

applying a precoat solution onto the dried solid patch of ink on the first surface of the print media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250340067A1Missing jet detection for precoat solution in ink jet printing systems and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A method for detecting missing jets in a precoat solution application system of an ink jet printing system includes providing print media into a path of a printer having a precoat application system, passing the print media past the precoat application system, passing print media in proximity to an ink jet printhead, jetting a plurality of drops of a first ink onto the print media to form a solid patch on a first surface of the print media, passing the print media through a dryer to dry the solid patch of the first ink on the first surface of the print media, passing the print media in proximity to the precoat application system, applying a precoat solution onto the dried solid patch of ink on the first surface of the print media, and analyzing the print media. An ink jet printing system is also disclosed.