Printing Apparatus Nozzle Ejection Detection via Carriage Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printing apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the nozzle ejection state due to variations in droplet sizes and ejection speeds, leading to low detection accuracy and deterioration in image quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus is designed with a control unit, a first detection unit, and a first determination unit to detect and determine the ejection state of nozzles by moving the carriage relative to the detection unit, allowing for accurate detection of changes in nozzle ejection state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of droplets of different sizes are ejected at different ejection speeds from a printing head, then the flying state of ink droplets varies, but the detection accuracy of nozzle ejection state becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by moving the carriage relative to the detection unit during droplet ejection. This creates a dynamic detection scenario where the relative motion between the carriage (carrying the printing head and droplets) and the detection unit enables distinction between different droplet flying states. The movement allows the detection unit to capture temporal changes in droplet positions and trajectories, thereby improving detection accuracy despite variations in droplet sizes and ejection speeds.
2Manufacturing precision
If the landing position of ejected ink droplets varies depending on movement direction and printing head state, then the fineness of image formed deteriorates, but maintaining consistent ejection state becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the detection unit to monitor the actual flying state and landing positions of ejected droplets. The detection results provide feedback information about variations in ejection state caused by movement direction and printing head conditions. This feedback enables the system to identify and correct inconsistencies in droplet ejection, thereby maintaining image fineness despite changes in operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical control of droplet ejection with a detection-based approach. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision of the printing head, the system uses the detection unit to monitor droplet trajectories and landing positions. This substitution allows for real-time verification and adjustment of ejection state, compensating for mechanical variations and maintaining consistent image quality.
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
The solution enables high-accuracy detection of nozzle ejection states, preventing printing failures caused by nozzle deterioration or unintended changes, and maintaining image quality by allowing for timely adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection unit configured to detect the droplets ejected from the nozzles
Implementation Method 2
a first detection unit configured to detect the droplets ejected from the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printing head having nozzles configured to eject droplets, a carriage having the printing head mounted thereon, a control unit configured to control the ejection of the droplets from the nozzles, a detection unit configured to detect the droplets ejected from the nozzles, a determination unit configured to determine an ejection state of the nozzles based on the detection result obtained by the detection unit, a reception unit configured to receive a user input to select a mode, and a setting unit configured to set the mode based on the user input, wherein the control unit causes the droplets to be ejected from the nozzles while moving the carriage relative to the detection unit, and the determination unit determines the ejection state of the nozzles based on the detection result of the droplets ejected while moving the carriage relative to the detection unit.