Print Head Compensation for Mechanical Disturbances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face registration errors due to mechanical disturbances from interactions between components, such as the transfer roller and release agent applicator, which existing compensation systems cannot correct, leading to inaccuracies in ink placement on the imaging drum.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate signals to compensate for mechanical disturbances by identifying process disturbances and their timing, adjusting the image generating head actuation signals using a process disturbance compensation signal, ensuring accurate ink placement despite physical disruptions during the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing compensation systems are used to correct cyclic errors from encoder eccentricities, then registration accuracy for cyclic errors is improved, but registration accuracy for mechanical disturbances from component interactions remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation system is segmented into two distinct components: a cyclic error compensator that handles encoder eccentricities and runout, and a process disturbance compensator that handles mechanical disturbances from component interactions. Each segment addresses specific types of errors independently, allowing the system to maintain high accuracy for cyclic errors while extending compensation coverage to include mechanical disturbances from transfer roller and release agent applicator interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The process disturbance compensator is designed with multi-functionality to detect and compensate for various types of mechanical disturbances occurring at different phases of the printing process. By using multiple sensors (encoder, acceleration sensor, velocity sensor) and processing signals through multiple pathways, the system achieves universal compensation capability across different disturbance sources including transfer roller engagement, release agent applicator movement, and wiper blade interactions.
2Measurement precision
If the print head controller adjusts actuation signals to compensate for mechanical disturbances, then registration accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The process disturbance compensator acts as an intermediary component between the existing cyclic error compensator and the print head controller. It receives timing information and sensor data, generates process disturbance compensation signals, and delivers adjusted actuation signals to the print head controller. This intermediary structure isolates the complexity of disturbance compensation from the main controller, allowing registration accuracy improvement while containing system complexity within the dedicated compensator module.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic signal processing. Instead of physically adjusting component positions or mechanics to compensate for disturbances, the invention uses electronic sensors to detect disturbances and electronic controllers to generate compensation signals that adjust print head actuation timing. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving precise registration accuracy improvement.
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
The solution effectively compensates for mechanical disturbances, maintaining registration accuracy and preventing misalignment of ink pixels, even when disturbances occur, thereby enhancing the overall print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a position based measurement of the imaging surface... typically done with a rotary encoder or the like... cause cyclic errors in the encoder position signal
Implementation Method 2
the ink is expelled through the piezoelectric elements comprising the print head
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus compensates for mechanical disturbances during a print process by adjusting the generation of image generating head actuation signals in anticipation of a mechanical disturbance. The apparatus includes a printer controller for generating signals to coordinate movement of components with a rotating image receiver in a printer and for generating data identifying a process disturbance arising from interaction of the rotating image receiver with the components and an expected time for the process disturbance, a process disturbance compensator for generating a process disturbance compensation signal that corresponds to the process disturbance identification and timing data, and an image generating head controller for adjusting an image generating head actuation signal with the process disturbance compensation signal.