Printhead Fluid Delivery Segmentation for Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing systems face image defects and reduced throughput due to changes in localized flow rates within the printing fluid delivery system, which are exacerbated by maintaining normal print speed to ensure image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method to control the flow-rate of printing fluid by identifying a sufficient amount for the printhead and determining if it meets a volume threshold, providing additional fluid and adjusting the refill time based on the refill rate to maintain optimal fluid levels, allowing for either normal or reduced print speed as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printing system maintains normal print speed, then throughput is maximized, but image defects increase due to changes in localized flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively refilling the second fluid storage chamber before fluid level changes cause flow rate variations. The controller monitors fluid levels and triggers refilling during idle periods or between swaths, preventing the harmful effect of low fluid levels before they can impact print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring fluid levels in both storage chambers and adjusting the refilling timing accordingly. The controller receives feedback on fluid level changes and modifies the refilling schedule to maintain optimal fluid levels throughout the printing process, ensuring consistent flow rates.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printing system reduces print speed to improve image quality, then image defects decrease, but throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary refilling actions during idle time periods or between swaths, so that fluid levels are restored before the next printing operation begins. This eliminates the need to slow down or stop printing to address low fluid levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the refilling timing based on real-time monitoring of fluid levels and printing status. The controller adapts the refilling schedule to match the actual printing rhythm, refilling during appropriate gaps without interfering with active printing operations.
3Reliability
If additional printing fluid is provided to the second region, then fluid supply consistency is improved, but the complexity of fluid management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into multiple independent storage chambers (first and second chambers) with separate level monitoring and refilling control. This segmentation allows independent management of fluid levels in each chamber, simplifying the control logic while improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service fluid management where the controller automatically monitors fluid levels and triggers refilling operations without external intervention. The system self-regulates fluid supply by detecting low levels and initiating refilling during appropriate time windows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes identifying a sufficient amount of printing fluid for a printhead to print a current swath and determining whether the sufficient amount of printing fluid is equal to or greater than a volume threshold value based on at least a second printing fluid volume capacity of a second region. The method also includes providing an amount of time after printing a previous swath and prior to a completion of printing the current swath for a second region to be supplied with an additional amount of printing fluid from a first region in response to a determination that the sufficient amount of printing fluid is equal to or greater than the volume threshold value.