Print Head Temperature Calibration Using Environmental Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing technologies face challenges in accurately calibrating print head temperature sensors, leading to incorrect temperature readings and degraded print quality, especially when the print head is replaced or power-cycled, as they rely on diode sensors with significant offset variations and require precise environmental temperature matching.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with first and second sensing means for print head and environmental temperatures, respectively, and acquisition and correction means to update the print head temperature calibration based on environmental data, ensuring accurate calibration even after power-on or head installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the print head temperature is calibrated immediately after power-on or head installation using the diode sensor, then the calibration process is quick, but the temperature reading may be incorrect due to temperature difference between print head and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing temperature calibration only when the print head temperature has equilibrated with the environmental temperature. The control unit checks whether the temperature difference between the print head and environment is within a predetermined threshold before executing calibration, ensuring accurate baseline conditions are established beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature difference between the print head and environmental temperature. The control unit uses this feedback to determine whether calibration conditions are met, and only proceeds with calibration when the temperature equilibrium condition is satisfied, thereby ensuring measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If the diode sensor offset is calibrated without checking temperature equilibrium, then the calibration can be performed at any time, but the offset value may be incorrect leading to degraded print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing temperature equilibrium as a prerequisite condition before performing offset calibration. The control unit verifies that the print head temperature matches the environmental temperature within a predetermined threshold before allowing calibration to proceed, ensuring reliable baseline conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature difference between print head and environment, and using this information to control when calibration is permitted. The system only allows offset calibration when the temperature equilibrium condition is satisfied, thereby ensuring print quality reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the print head is replaced or power-cycled frequently, then the printing apparatus can adapt to different usage scenarios, but the temperature sensor calibration becomes increasingly difficult to maintain accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature difference between the print head and environmental temperature after replacement or power-cycling events. This feedback mechanism ensures that calibration is only performed when temperature equilibrium is achieved, maintaining accuracy regardless of how frequently the print head is replaced or the apparatus is power-cycled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine when calibration conditions are met and perform calibration without user intervention. The control unit autonomously monitors temperature equilibrium and executes calibration when conditions are satisfied, making the system adaptable to frequent replacements while maintaining accuracy.
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
Enables quick and accurate calibration of the print head temperature sensor, preventing erroneous corrections and maintaining print quality by ensuring the print head temperature is accurately set, even during initial power-on or head replacement scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a diode sensor is often used which is formed on the same silicon chip on which ejection heaters are formed
Implementation Method 2
the room temperature (Tr) obtained by a thermistor in the printing apparatus main body
Implementation Method 3
performs printing by energizing heaters to generate heat energy, thus generating bubbles in ink
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention uses a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of a print head configured to eject ink, and senses the environmental temperature of a printing apparatus. The temperature of the print head is corrected based on the environmental temperature only if information from the temperature sensor is different from the last information acquired.