Printer Feeding Synchronization for Inkjet Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

In printers, the time interval between ink droplet discharging and sheet transporting operations leads to a deterioration in recording throughput.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharging apparatus is designed with a controller that synchronizes the operation of the feeding unit with the liquid discharging unit's final discharge timing, and includes a rotation driving unit that starts before the feeding unit to prevent excessive tension on the medium, using a detecting unit to adjust the timing based on the roll body's diameter, feeding speed, and applied tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the feeding driving unit operates independently without synchronization, then the control is simple, but a time interval occurs between liquid discharging and medium feeding, deteriorating throughput

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput of recording operationVSAvoidcontrol synchronization mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives feedback signals from the liquid discharging unit regarding discharge timing and uses this feedback to synchronize the feeding driving unit's operation, ensuring the feeding operation starts at the optimal moment to eliminate idle time intervals and maximize throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-calculates and pre-positions the medium using the feeding driving unit based on anticipated liquid discharge timing, so that the medium is ready and positioned correctly before the liquid discharge occurs, eliminating waiting time and improving operational continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the rotation driving unit starts simultaneously with the feeding driving unit, then the control is simple, but excessive tension is applied to the medium due to roll body inertia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidexcessive tension on medium

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation driving unit is activated in advance before the feeding driving unit, allowing the roll body to begin rotating and reducing its inertia before the medium is pulled out, thereby preventing excessive tension from being applied to the medium during the feeding operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By starting the rotation driving unit beforehand, the system cushions the inertial effects of the roll body in advance, creating a smoother transition and reducing the shock and tension that would otherwise be applied to the medium when feeding starts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9434188B2Liquid discharging apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid discharging apparatus includes a feeding unit that feeds a medium, a feeding driving unit that drives the feeding unit, a liquid discharging unit that performs a discharging operation of discharging a liquid to the medium, and a controller that controls the feeding driving unit to start to operate in synchronization with a timing when the liquid discharging unit finally discharges the liquid in the discharging operation.