Single-Die Nozzle Set Printing for Overlapped Digital Representations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers struggle to efficiently print multiple digital representations on the same side of a medium, such as transparent or translucent media, to achieve desired visual effects like optical interactions or compensate for printing quality defects.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to use a single die with disjoint sets of nozzles to concurrently print different representations on the same side of a medium, utilizing a single printing fluid, allowing for efficient production of desired visual effects through concurrent printing with overlapping or intermixed digital representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single die with multiple nozzle sets is used to print multiple digital representations on the same side of media, then productivity is improved by concurrent printing, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple disjoint nozzle sets and their corresponding printing fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The die is segmented into multiple disjoint nozzle sets, where each nozzle set is dedicated to printing a specific digital representation. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each nozzle set while maintaining concurrent operation, resolving the complexity issue by organizing the system into manageable, independent units that work simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A single die structure is designed to perform multiple printing functions by incorporating different nozzle sets that can print different digital representations concurrently. This multi-functional design improves productivity by eliminating the need for separate dies or sequential printing operations, while the universal die structure manages the complexity through integrated design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital representations are printed on transparent or translucent media to achieve optical interactions, then adaptability is improved for creating visual effects, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment and overlap of printed representations
Solution Approach 1:
Each nozzle set is configured with specific printing characteristics optimized for its designated digital representation, including local adjustments to nozzle positioning, droplet size, and deposition patterns. This local quality optimization ensures that each representation is printed with the precise characteristics needed for optimal visual effects when combined with other representations on transparent or translucent media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with digital control mechanisms that precisely position and coordinate the output of multiple nozzle sets. By using digital representation data to control printing parameters and timing, the system achieves high manufacturing precision without complex mechanical alignment apparatus, enabling accurate overlap and integration of printed representations for optical effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method is described in which a first and a second digital representation data for a first and a second digital representation to be printed on a same side of a same media is received. First print data (121) corresponding to a printing fluid for the first digital representation is determined on the basis of the first digital representation data. Second print data (132) corresponding to the printing fluid for the second digital representation is determined on the basis of the second digital representation data. The method further comprises communicating the first print data corresponding to a specific swath (145) to a first set of nozzles, and communicating the second print data corresponding to the specific swath to a second set of nozzles, by the first and the second set of nozzles are disjoint sets of nozzles from a same die and are fluidically connected to the printing fluid.