Printing Apparatus Automatic Nozzle Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses burden operators with complex manual processes to detect and manage raised portions on recording surfaces, leading to inefficiencies and ink wastage during printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus that automatically adjusts the nozzle height and transport speed based on detected raised portions, using a control system to select between printing modes and notify the user, thereby reducing operator burden and minimizing ink wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually detects and manages raised portions during printing, then printing quality can be maintained, but the operator burden increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through the detecting section that automatically identifies raised portions and the control section that autonomously manages printing operations. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for operator intervention in detecting and responding to raised portions, thereby maintaining printing quality while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting section provides real-time feedback about raised portions to the control section, which then adjusts printing operations accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures printing quality is maintained by automatically responding to detected abnormalities without requiring manual operator intervention
2Reliability
If the ink jet head is manually raised to avoid contact with raised portions, then printing quality is maintained, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus automatically adjusts the ink jet head position through the control section based on detections from the detecting section. The system performs self-adjustment by autonomously raising or pausing the ink jet head according to detected raised portions, eliminating complex manual adjustment procedures while maintaining printing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting section detects raised portions in advance before the ink jet head reaches them, allowing the control section to prepare appropriate responses (raising or pausing). This preliminary detection and preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time manual adjustments during printing
3Loss of substance
If printing is stopped manually when raised portions are detected, then ink wastage is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting section provides feedback about raised portions to the control section, which then automatically pauses printing operations only when necessary. This targeted feedback-based control reduces ink wastage by preventing printing on raised portions while minimizing unnecessary pauses to maintain productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control section applies partial action by pausing printing only for the specific duration and locations where raised portions are detected, rather than stopping the entire printing process. This selective pausing reduces ink wastage while maintaining overall printing efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a transport mechanism section which has a support surface that supports and transports a workpiece, a printing mechanism section which has an ink jet head that executes printing on the workpiece that is transported by the transport mechanism section, a detecting section which is provided further on the upstream side in the transport direction than the ink jet head and detects an upper surface position of the workpiece, an adjustment section which adjusts a separation distance between the support surface and the ink jet head, and a control section. In addition, the control section selects a first mode for printing and a second mode for stopping printing by adjusting the separation distance by operating the adjustment section based on a detection result of the detecting section.