Tablet Printing Apparatus Inkjet Resolution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The legibility of identification information printed on tablets is compromised due to changes in the position and posture of the tablets during the printing process, particularly when using multiple nozzle arrays, leading to misalignment and reduced print quality, which can result in misuse of medications.
Innovation Solution
A tablet printing apparatus and method that adjusts the resolution in the conveying direction and nozzle array direction by controlling the timing and position of ink ejection from multiple nozzle arrays, using a control device to select the appropriate nozzle arrays and adjust the print pattern to maintain print quality despite tablet movement and posture changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzle arrays are used to increase resolution in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, then the resolution is improved, but the position and posture of the tablet change due to vibration, causing print misalignment and reduced legibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the tablet's position and posture before printing occurs, and pre-calculating the corrected print positions based on detected vibrations or shifts. This allows the system to compensate for anticipated movement rather than reacting after misalignment occurs, thereby maintaining print accuracy despite tablet instability during the printing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor tablet position and posture during conveyance, feeding this information back to the control system which then adjusts print head positioning or print data in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that print alignment is maintained despite vibrations or movements that occur when multiple nozzle arrays are used
2Productivity
If the distance between nozzle arrays is increased to accommodate multiple arrays, then more arrays can be used for printing, but the tablet position and posture are more likely to change during printing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of tablet characteristics and position before the tablet reaches the printing zone. By knowing the tablet's initial state and predicting its behavior during conveyance through multiple nozzle arrays, the system can pre-calculate compensation values that maintain print accuracy despite the increased distance and associated vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback mechanisms monitor tablet position and conveyance conditions as tablets move through the printing zone spanned by multiple nozzle arrays. This continuous monitoring allows dynamic adjustment of print parameters to compensate for position changes, ensuring accurate print placement even when nozzle arrays are spaced far apart
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures clear and stable printing of identification information on tablets, even when they shift during the printing process, thereby preventing misreading and misuse by maintaining high legibility and print density.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet head 50a having a plurality of nozzles 51 which eject ink
Implementation Method 2
perform printing by ejecting ink from the nozzles 51 to the tablet T
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a tablet printing apparatus includes a conveying device, an inkjet printing device, and a control device. The conveying device is configured to convey a tablet. The printing device includes a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a direction crossing a conveying path where the tablet is conveyed by the conveying device, and performs printing by ejecting ink from the nozzles to the tablet being conveyed by the conveying device. The control device increases either one of a resolution in the conveying direction of the tablet at the time of performing the printing and a resolution in the array direction of the nozzles at the time of performing the printing higher than the other according to a print density or a print shape on the tablet, and controls the printing device to perform the printing.