Trough Support Ribs for Edge-to-Edge Inkjet Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers face challenges in achieving edge-to-edge printing due to media sagging, ink smearing, and inconsistent distance between the printhead and media, leading to decreased print quality and ink misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a trough support rib system with angled edges and notches within the ink trough to engage and support the media, directing overspray ink away from the media and maintaining a consistent distance between the printhead and media, using a combination of primary and exit ribs to minimize ink transfer and ensure precise edge-to-edge printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional inkjet printers use a platen to support media from below, then the media is supported during printing, but ink droplets can smear on the platen surface and transfer to subsequent media, degrading print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful platen surface from the printing system and replaces it with a trough structure containing support ribs. This extracts the problematic element (platen surface that accumulates and transfers ink) while retaining the essential function of media support during printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance (absorbent material) within the trough to capture and hold excess ink, preventing it from transferring to the media. The support ribs also serve as intermediaries by providing media support without the continuous flat surface that causes smearing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printhead fires ink beyond the media edge to ensure edge-to-edge printing, then complete edge coverage is achieved, but ink accumulates on printer components and smudges subsequent media
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful overspray ink into a beneficial element by using the absorbent material in the trough to capture and contain it. The excess ink that would otherwise smudge subsequent media is instead absorbed and held in the trough, preventing harmful transfer while allowing edge-to-edge printing to proceed.
3Ease of operation
If conventional printers use a flat platen surface, then media is easily supported, but the media sags or bends at edges causing inconsistent distance from printhead
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the continuous platen surface into discrete support ribs within a trough structure. This segmentation provides localized support points that prevent media sagging and bending, maintaining consistent media-printhead distance while still providing adequate support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing support only where needed (at specific rib locations) rather than a continuous surface. The trough structure with ribs provides localized support that prevents sagging at critical areas while allowing the media to maintain proper positioning for consistent printing.
Data Source
AI summary
A trough support rib for improved edge-to-edge printing having a media feedpath extending in a first direction, a printhead reciprocally movable in a second direction, the second direction defining a print zone, an ink trough, at least one support rib beneath the print zone within the ink trough, the at least one support rib having an upper angled edge for engaging print media defined by two beveled surfaces, the rib further including a notch for removal of overspray ink to the ink trough.