Printer Ink Mist Detection via Reverse Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-definition image formation due to limitations in image detection accuracy, particularly in detecting the ejection state of ink and the formed image on the medium.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus incorporates a medium transport section, an ejection head, and an image detection section, where the image detection section is located between the ejection head and the medium accommodation portion, and the ejection head is positioned between the image detection section and the medium discharge port. This configuration allows for two modes: one where the medium is transported from the accommodation portion to the discharge port with ink ejection, and another where the medium is transported back to detect image information, reducing the influence of ink mist on the detection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image detection section is positioned after the ejection head in the transport direction, then the detection process is simplified, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to ink mist interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional detection sequence by detecting the image before the ejection head ejects ink, rather than after. The image detection section is positioned to detect images on the medium before they pass under the ejection head, thereby eliminating ink mist interference from the detection process while maintaining detection functionality
2Device complexity
If the medium transport section transports the medium in a single direction, then the transport mechanism is simplified, but the detection accuracy worsens due to ink mist affecting the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between transport directions. The medium transport section transports the medium in a first direction during ejection operations and in a second direction (opposite to the first) during detection operations. This periodic reversal of transport direction allows the system to perform high-accuracy detection free from ink mist interference while maintaining relatively simple transport mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by transporting the medium in the opposite direction during detection compared to ejection. Instead of always transporting forward, the system reverses transport direction to bring the medium back through the detection section after ejection, enabling detection before the medium enters the ejection zone where ink mist is generated
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 configuration enhances the detection accuracy of the image information and ejection state, enabling the formation of higher-definition images by minimizing the impact of ink mist and improving the precision of image detection.
Implementation Method 1
an image detection section that detects the image formed on the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a medium accommodation portion that accommodates a medium, a medium discharge port for discharging the medium, a medium transport section that transports the medium, an ejection head that ejects a liquid to the medium to form an image, and an image detection section that detects the image. The printing apparatus has a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being a mode in which the medium transport section transports the medium in a direction from the medium accommodation portion toward the medium discharge port, and the ejection head ejects the liquid to the medium, and the second mode being a mode in which the medium transport section transports the medium in a direction from the medium discharge port toward the medium accommodation portion, and the image detection section detects image information of the image formed on the medium.