Printing Apparatus Dynamic Maintenance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require prolonged time to complete printing on multiple sheets due to the need for preliminary discharge before starting each print job, which is inefficient and can lead to discharge failures if the non-printing time is short.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a maintenance unit and determination unit that assesses the need for maintenance operations based on the feeding method of succeeding sheets, estimating non-printing time to decide whether to execute preliminary discharge, thereby optimizing the printing process to prevent discharge failures while shortening overall printing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preliminary discharge is executed before starting printing on each sheet, then discharge failure is prevented, but the time required to complete printing on multiple sheets is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the preliminary discharge operation conditional rather than fixed. The determination unit dynamically decides whether to execute preliminary discharge based on real-time assessment of non-printing time duration. When non-printing time is short, preliminary discharge is omitted; when non-printing time is long, preliminary discharge is executed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between preventing discharge failure and maintaining printing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of preliminary discharge execution from a constant state (always executed) to a variable state (conditionally executed). By introducing the non-printing time parameter as a decision criterion, the system adjusts its behavior based on measured conditions. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between reliability and productivity by adapting preliminary discharge execution to actual operating conditions.
2Reliability
If preliminary discharge is executed by moving the printhead to a preliminary discharge acceptable cap, then maintenance operation is performed, but the time required to complete printing on multiple sheets is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by executing preliminary discharge only when necessary, rather than performing it excessively on every sheet. The determination unit assesses whether the non-printing time warrants a preliminary discharge operation, and omits this action when the non-printing time is short and discharge failure risk is minimal. This partial execution of maintenance operations reduces time loss while maintaining sufficient discharge stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by assessing the non-printing time duration before deciding on preliminary discharge execution. The determination unit performs this assessment in advance during the non-printing period, allowing the system to prepare appropriately and execute preliminary discharge only when the assessment indicates it is necessary, thereby optimizing the timing and necessity of maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If ink discharge is not performed while discharging the preceding sheet and feeding the succeeding sheet, then discharge failure may occur, but executing preliminary discharge immediately before start of printing increases overall printing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the determination unit to continuously monitor and assess the non-printing time duration, then using this feedback information to decide whether preliminary discharge is necessary. The system measures the actual non-printing time, compares it against thresholds or criteria, and adjusts preliminary discharge execution accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain discharge reliability only when conditions warrant it, rather than using a fixed approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the discharge failure prevention mechanism dynamic by conditioning preliminary discharge execution on the assessed non-printing time. Rather than statically preventing discharge failure through mandatory preliminary discharge on every sheet, the system dynamically adapts its prevention strategy based on actual operating conditions, executing maintenance operations only when the non-printing time suggests discharge stability may be compromised.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus comprises a maintenance unit configured to execute a maintenance operation between a completion of printing on a preceding sheet serving as the printing sheet fed from a stacking unit first and a start of printing on a succeeding sheet serving as the printing sheet fed from the stacking unit next, and a determination unit configured to determine whether to execute the maintenance operation, wherein the determination unit determines, based on a feeding method of the succeeding sheet, whether to execute the maintenance operation.