Step-Compensating Carriage Printer With Sensor-Based Jetplate Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carriage printers face challenges in achieving precise ink placement on media due to the high speed and accuracy requirements, which are difficult to maintain with existing precision motors and conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mobile jetplate system with adjustable printheads and precision sensors allows for real-time compensation for errors in media positioning and component deformation, reducing the need for high-precision motors in the media conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed media conveyor is used to achieve fast printing speed, then productivity is improved, but media positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect actual media position and carriage position, and the control system adjusts the jetplate position based on detected errors. The media position sensor provides feedback on media location, and the jetplate position sensor provides feedback on jetplate location, enabling real-time correction of positioning errors to maintain precision at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the jetplate movable relative to the carriage through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The jetplate can dynamically adjust its position along the media transport direction to compensate for conveyor errors, transforming a static positioning system into a dynamic one that adapts to real-time positioning variations
2Manufacturing precision
If precision motors are used in media conveyor to maintain positioning accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-precision positioning function from the media conveyor system and relocates it to the jetplate assembly. Instead of requiring precision motors in the conveyor, the system uses simpler conveyor motors and compensates for positioning errors through the adjustable jetplate mechanism with position sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position sensors as intermediaries between the media conveyor and the jetplate. These sensors detect positioning errors and transmit this information to the control system, which then adjusts the jetplate position accordingly. The sensor acts as a mediator that enables error compensation without requiring high-precision motors throughout the entire system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a technique that enables a carriage printer to reduce precision in a media conveyor by improving mobility of the carriage. The carriage includes a mobile jetplate that adjusts the position of the printheads within the carriage. The mobile jetplate includes multiple motors that enable shifts in an axis matching the axis of the media. Operating the motors of the jetplate at different locations or at different intensities causes the jetplate to skew and achieve mobility of multiple axes. A set of sensors monitor media skew and shifts of the mobile jetplate are able to compensate for that skew. An additional set of motors shift the carriage to compensate for deformation of the beam that the carriage shuttles along.