Printing Apparatus Sensor-Integrated Conveyance Width Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require additional time to complete a print job due to the need to convey the print sheet in reverse direction after width detection, which prolongs the overall printing process.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a sensor-integrated conveying system that detects the width of the print sheet and adjusts the printing head's nozzles accordingly, allowing for immediate printing without the need for reverse conveyance, thereby reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the print sheet is conveyed to a detection unit to detect the width of the print sheet, then the width detection accuracy is improved, but the print sheet must be conveyed in reverse direction after detection which increases the printing time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the width of the print sheet at the leading end before the main printing process begins. This preliminary detection allows the printing apparatus to prepare the appropriate printing parameters and nozzle configuration in advance, eliminating the need for reverse conveyance and enabling immediate printing after detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The width detection function is extracted from a separate detection unit and integrated into the conveying system itself. The sensor is positioned to detect the width of the print sheet at the leading end during the normal conveyance process, eliminating the need for a separate reverse conveyance step to a dedicated detection unit.
2Manufacturing precision
If the print sheet is conveyed in reverse direction after width detection, then the printing can be performed at the correct position, but the additional conveyance time prolongs the overall printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The width detection is performed preliminarily at the leading end of the print sheet during normal conveyance. This allows the control unit to calculate the appropriate nozzle selection and image placement parameters in advance, eliminating the need for reverse conveyance while maintaining accurate image placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus dynamically adjusts the nozzle selection and image placement based on the detected width of the print sheet. The control unit processes the detection result and modifies the printing parameters in real-time, enabling accurate printing without requiring reverse conveyance to reposition the print sheet.
3Reliability
If a separate detection unit is used to detect the width of the print sheet, then the detection function is independent and reliable, but the system complexity increases and additional conveyance steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The width detection function is merged with the existing conveying system. The sensor is integrated into the conveying apparatus to detect the width of the print sheet at the leading end, eliminating the need for a separate detection unit and the associated reverse conveyance mechanism, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying system is given a dual function: it not only conveys the print sheet through the printing apparatus but also performs width detection at the leading end. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate detection unit and reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, a part of the recording elements in accordance with a position of a print medium with respect to a printing head when printing is performed after the detection is performed among the plurality of recording elements arranged in a conveyance direction during conveyance of the print medium are used for printing if the width of the print medium is detected by the sensor. Then the image of printing target of the size in accordance with the width of the print medium is printed on the print medium.