Inkjet Printer Fixation Unit for Print Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in printing high-quality images on colored or transparent printing media due to insufficient drying of the foundation ink, leading to ink mixing and displacement of print positions.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a feed unit, a print unit comprising two arrays of print elements for applying first and second inks, and a fixation unit that ensures the first image is fully dried before printing the second image, allowing for precise adjustment and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the foundation ink is printed without fixation on non- or low-absorbent printing medium, then the printing process can proceed quickly, but the colors of the first and second inks mix causing print position displacement and dot shape distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation unit performs preliminary fixation of the foundation ink before the adjustment pattern is printed. This preliminary action ensures the foundation ink is sufficiently dry, preventing color mixing and position displacement when the second ink is applied, thus resolving the contradiction between printing speed and print position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process is segmented into distinct stages: foundation printing, fixation, and adjustment pattern printing. By separating the printing of the first and second inks with a fixation step in between, the system prevents ink mixing while maintaining efficient overall process flow, addressing both productivity and precision requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the foundation ink is printed and dried using a fixation unit, then the print position accuracy is improved, but the printing process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation unit operates continuously during the printing process, fixing the foundation ink while the system prepares for the next printing pass. This continuous operation minimizes idle time and ensures that when the adjustment pattern is printed, the foundation is already fixed, thus reducing overall time loss while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation process is applied periodically at critical stages between printing passes. Rather than continuous fixation throughout the entire process, the system applies fixation at specific intervals when needed, optimizing the balance between maintaining print accuracy and minimizing fixation time.
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
This solution enables automatic adjustment and calibration of the printing apparatus, ensuring accurate placement and shape of ink dots, even on low-absorbent media, thereby improving the quality and reliability of printed images.
Implementation Method 1
a fixation unit having a heating or air-blowing function
Implementation Method 2
a fixation unit having a heating or air-blowing function
Implementation Method 3
a feed unit that feeds a printing medium
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a feed unit that feeds a printing medium; a print unit including first and second arrays of print elements for applying first ink and second ink, respectively, onto the printing medium; and a fixation unit located downstream of the print unit in a feed direction to fixate an image printed on the printing medium. The print unit prints a first image on the printing medium by applying the first ink. The feed unit feeds the printing medium having the first image printed thereon to the fixation unit from upstream to downstream in the feed direction. The fixation unit fixates the first image. The feed unit back-feeds the printing medium having the first image fixated thereon to the print unit from downstream to upstream in the feed direction. The print unit prints a second image on the first image by applying the second ink.