Printhead Substrate Inversion for Ink Landing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In full-line printheads, the offset arrangement of print element substrates leads to air flow differences between upstream and downstream substrates, causing ink landing position deviations, especially at high printing speeds and when the printing medium is conveyed diagonally, due to the increased distance between furthest end print elements forming connections between substrates.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of print elements and driving circuits on adjacent substrates is optimized such that the furthest end print elements are closer by reversing the positional relationship of driving circuits relative to print elements, with print elements aligned in one direction and driving circuits in a perpendicular direction, forming a quadrilateral shape with acute and obtuse angles, allowing for closer proximity and reduced air flow impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If print element substrates are arranged adjacently with connecting parts having an angle shape, then the print width is extended, but the distance between furthest end print elements increases causing ink landing position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing driving circuits on the opposite side relative to print elements at connecting parts. Specifically, at one connecting part the driving circuit is placed on the upstream side while at the other connecting part it is placed on the downstream side, which shortens the distance between furthest end print elements and reduces ink landing position deviation while maintaining extended print width
2Productivity
If printing speed is increased to improve productivity, then output increases, but air flow differences cause greater ink landing position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the driving circuit positions to counteract the harmful air flow effects that occur at high printing speeds. By placing driving circuits on opposite sides at connecting parts, the design anticipates and compensates for the air flow differences that would otherwise cause ink landing position deviation during high-speed printing
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 reduces ink landing position deviations and improves image quality by shortening the distance between furthest end print elements, effectively minimizing the effects of air flow and maintaining precision even during diagonal medium conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
an autogenous air flow occurs in a direction of the arrow that follows the shape of the connecting parts
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead, comprises: a plurality of element substrates that each include a first element substrate adjacent to a second element substrate in a first direction, wherein a first print element array arranged in the first element substrate includes a first print element that is closest to the second element substrate in the first direction, and a second print element array arranged in the second element substrate includes a second print element closest to the first element substrate in the first direction, and an order of arrangement in the second direction of at least the first print element and a first driving circuit corresponding to the first print element is opposite to an order of arrangement in the second direction of the second print element and a second driving circuit corresponding to the second print element.