Shutter with White Reference Surface for Ink Mist Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in suppressing ink mist attachment to optical devices like cameras and spectrometers, leading to reduced measurement accuracy and optical distortion due to the rotation of lenses used to prevent mist, and difficulties in maintaining calibration accuracy with white reference surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device and printing apparatus configuration that includes a shutter with a white reference surface, which moves relative to a window, allowing the optical device to be positioned for measurement while blocking the window during non-measurement periods, thereby preventing ink mist contamination and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotatable columnar lens is used to generate air flow and suppress ink mist attachment, then ink mist attachment is reduced, but the optical characteristics of the lens are reduced and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed optical device for measurement and a separate shutter mechanism for ink mist suppression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between mist suppression and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A shutter mechanism with a white reference surface is introduced as an intermediary between the ink jet recording head and the optical device. The shutter blocks ink mist from reaching the optical device while its white reference surface enables calibration, thus protecting the optical device without compromising measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a white reference surface is provided inside the printing apparatus for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but it is difficult to suppress ink mist attachment to the white reference surface
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to be movable between different positions: a first position where it blocks the optical device window to prevent ink mist attachment, and a second position where it allows light to reach the optical device for measurement and calibration. This dynamic positioning allows the white reference surface to remain protected while still enabling calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is positioned to block the optical device window in advance during ink ejection operations, preventing ink mist from attaching to the white reference surface before calibration is needed. This preliminary protective action ensures the white reference surface remains clean and calibration-accurate.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter blocks the window continuously to prevent ink mist attachment, then optical device protection is improved, but light cannot reach the optical device for measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter dynamically changes position based on operational requirements: it blocks the window during ink ejection to protect the optical device, and moves away to allow light transmission during measurement operations. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between protection and measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter operates periodically, alternating between blocking and non-blocking states synchronized with the printing and measurement cycles. During ink ejection, the shutter blocks; during measurement, it opens. This periodic action ensures both protection and measurement functionality are achieved at appropriate times.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device includes an optical device which includes a window on which light is incident, a shutter which includes a white reference surface on an optical device side and is configured to block the window, a first moving mechanism which moves the optical device in a direction, and a second moving mechanism which relatively moves the window and the shutter between a first position at which the window is blocked by the white reference surface and a second position at which light is incident on the window.