Tandem Inkjet Printing Unit with Offset Nozzles for Compact Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing systems face challenges in minimizing the print zone width, achieving high-speed full-color printing with multiple redundancy, and simplifying printhead alignment and replacement while maintaining optimal print quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing unit with a pair of opposed inkjet modules mounted in tandem, each having printheads with 180-degree rotational symmetry and offset nozzle rows, allowing for compact design, reduced print zone span, and improved print quality by aligning nozzle rows to mask print artefacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple printheads are arranged along the media feed path for full-color printing with redundancy, then print quality and reliability are improved, but the print zone span and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies 180-degree rotational symmetry to arrange printheads in a tandem configuration where opposing printheads are rotated relative to each other. This dimensional transformation allows the system to achieve full-color printing with redundancy while minimizing the linear span along the media feed path, as the printheads utilize vertical and lateral spacing rather than extending the print zone in the feed direction.
2Manufacturing precision
If printheads are precisely aligned for high-quality printing, then print quality is improved, but set-up costs and alignment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric offset positioning of compensatory nozzle rows between opposing printheads. By deliberately introducing a controlled asymmetric offset in the nozzle row positions, the system simplifies alignment procedures while maintaining print quality, as the offset compensates for variations in printhead positioning and eliminates the need for precise alignment of all nozzle rows.
3Manufacturing precision
If compensatory nozzles are aligned between opposing printheads, then print artefacts are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetric offset positioning of compensatory nozzle rows between opposing printheads. Instead of aligning compensatory nozzles symmetrically, the design introduces a deliberate offset that simplifies the overall configuration while effectively minimizing print artefacts through the rotational symmetry of the tandem arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing unit includes: a unit chassis and a pair of opposed inkjet modules mounted in tandem on the unit chassis in forward and reverse orientations, each inkjet module having one respective printhead and at least one of: a capper and a wiper. Each printhead includes first and second rows of print chips mounted on a unitary surface of a respective ink manifold, the first and second rows of print chips having a plurality of print chips butted end-on-end along a length of the printhead. The printheads are wholly aligned with respect to a media feed direction for printing in four ink colors from the pair of printheads.