Robotic Inkjet Head Layout for Brightness-Based Color Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet printing apparatuses using robots struggle to achieve optimal arrangement of nozzle rows for multiple colors of ink, leading to suboptimal print quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a head featuring first and second nozzle rows for different inks, where the robot adjusts the head's position and posture to ensure the second ink nozzle row is closer to the proximal end than the first at specific ejection timings, and the second ink is less bright than the first, optimizing nozzle arrangement for improved print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle rows for different colors of ink are arranged on the head, then the printing apparatus can perform multi-color printing, but the arrangement of nozzle rows becomes complex and print quality becomes difficult to optimize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by arranging different nozzle rows at different distances from the proximal end of the robot arm based on the brightness of the ink they eject. Specifically, nozzle rows for brighter inks are positioned closer to the proximal end, while nozzle rows for darker inks are positioned farther away. This localized differentiation in positioning optimizes the ejection timing and quality for each ink type, resolving the contradiction between multi-color capability and print quality.
2Measurement precision
If the head is moved by a robot with multiple joints, then the position and posture of the head can be precisely controlled, but the distance between nozzle rows and the proximal end becomes variable and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the nozzle rows at specific fixed distances from the proximal end of the robot arm before printing operations begin. Each nozzle row is positioned at a predetermined distance corresponding to the brightness of the ink it will eject. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the control complexity by establishing fixed reference positions that account for the robot's multi-joint movement characteristics, making it easier to manage the variable distances inherent in robotic positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If nozzle rows are arranged at different distances from the proximal end, then ejection timing can be optimized for different ink brightness, but the head structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the positional parameter (distance from proximal end) of nozzle rows based on the brightness parameter of the inks they eject. Brighter inks are assigned to nozzle rows closer to the proximal end, while darker inks are assigned to nozzle rows farther away. This systematic parameter variation optimizes ejection timing for each ink type while maintaining a manageable head structure through a consistent positioning rule rather than arbitrary complex arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a head and a robot which moves the head with respect to a workpiece, the head includes a first nozzle row for ejecting a first and a second nozzle row for ejecting a second ink which has lower brightness than the first ink, the robot includes an arm portion having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of joints, and a base portion coupled to the proximal end, and supports the head by the distal end, and when a timing at which the first ink is ejected to a predetermined position on the workpiece is defined as a first timing, and a timing at which the second ink is ejected to the predetermined position is defined as a second timing, a distance between the distal end and the proximal end at the second timing is less than the first timing.