Printer Ejecting Unit Adaptive Scanning for Ink Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies, such as serial printers, face issues with ink mixing and image degradation due to the difficulty in drying ink, leading to uncomfortable operation and potential malfunctions, especially when printing narrow images where sufficient drying time cannot be ensured.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the moving distance of the ejecting unit based on image width and density, using specific operation modes to prolong the time ink is on the medium and reduce acceleration/deceleration loads, thereby minimizing ink mixing and ensuring proper drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the carriage is caused to stand by for a predetermined time between forward and rearward recording scanning, then the ink drying time is extended and ink mixing is suppressed, but the printing operation time increases and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the carriage movement pattern adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the carriage operation based on image width: for narrow images (≤ predetermined width), the carriage performs only forward scanning without rearward scanning, eliminating unnecessary movement. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both drying time and operation efficiency, resolving the contradiction between preventing ink mixing and maintaining printing speed.
2Reliability
If the number of main scanning is changed depending on printing area width to create distance between dots, then ink mixing is suppressed, but the printing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the scanning operation parameters based on image width. The control unit changes the printing parameters (number of forward/rearward scans) according to the detected image width. For narrow images, it reduces the scanning operations to prevent ink mixing, while for wider images, it uses normal scanning patterns. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by preventing ink mixing through simple conditional parameter adjustment rather than complex mechanical modifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ejecting unit moves to eject liquid onto narrow printing medium, then the printing precision is maintained, but the acceleration and deceleration operations increase causing member malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the rearward scanning operation from the printing process when printing narrow images. By extracting this unnecessary reciprocating movement, the system maintains printing precision through forward scanning only, while eliminating the acceleration and deceleration cycles that cause member malfunction. This resolves the contradiction by taking out the harmful reciprocating motion while preserving the essential printing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium, comprising an ejecting unit that reciprocates in a main scanning direction which is a width direction of the printing medium, ejecting a liquid onto the printing medium when moving at least in a forward direction of the main scanning direction; and a control unit that controls an operation of the printing apparatus, wherein in one movement of the ejecting unit in the forward direction, the control unit includes a specific operation mode which causes the ejecting unit to move to a predetermined distance in addition to a width of an image when the width of the image to be printed on the printing medium is less than a predetermined value.