Printer Dual Nozzle Array Interval Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer technologies face challenges in maintaining consistent image quality due to variations in the number of nozzles used for liquid ejection, which affects the drying time and subsequent image formation.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration with two heads, one for a first liquid and one for a second liquid, where the interval between the ranges of use for the nozzle arrays is adjustable while maintaining the length of these ranges, allowing for optimal drying periods based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the number of nozzles to eject the liquid is changed to adjust drying time, then the drying time can be optimized, but the image quality varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the interval between nozzle arrays adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the interval in the first direction between the range of use of the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array based on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity). This allows the system to adapt the drying time without changing the number of nozzles, thereby maintaining image quality consistency while optimizing drying time for different environmental conditions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the interval between nozzle arrays is changed to adjust drying time, then drying time can be optimized, but the range of use length changes affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by independently controlling two parameters: the interval between nozzle arrays and the length of each nozzle array's range of use. The controller adjusts the interval (distance between first and second nozzle arrays) to optimize drying time, while simultaneously maintaining the range of use length of each nozzle array constant. This decoupled control allows drying time optimization without affecting the coverage area and image quality.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the amount of movement in the first direction is changed to adjust interval, then drying time can be controlled, but the productivity varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling independent adjustment of the interval between nozzle arrays without changing the amount of movement in the first direction. The controller modifies the positioning of nozzle arrays in the second direction (intersecting direction) to change the interval, while keeping the first direction movement amount constant. This allows drying time optimization through interval adjustment without affecting printing speed and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a first head including a first nozzle array including first nozzles arranged in a first direction and capable of ejecting a first liquid, a second head including a second nozzle array including second nozzles arranged in the first direction and capable of ejecting a second liquid on the first liquid, a first mover to relatively move the first head, the second head, and a medium in the first direction, and a second mover to move the first head and the second head in a second direction intersecting the first direction. An interval in the first direction between a range of use of the first nozzle array and a range of use of the second nozzle array is changed, while lengths of the range of use of the first nozzle array and the range of use of the second nozzle array in the first direction are respectively maintained.