Uniquely Spaced Markings for Printer Carriage Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise determination of the carriage position in imaging devices, such as inkjet printers, is challenging, especially when powering up after being powered down, due to difficulties in tracking the position of the carriage along the scanning path.
Innovation Solution
The use of encoder strips with uniquely spaced index markings and uniformly spaced encoder markings, coupled with a sensor and controller system, allows for the identification of the carriage position by correlating detected distances with position information using a look-up table, enabling precise repositioning of the carriage for accurate image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional encoder methods are used to track carriage position, then the system can maintain position during operation, but the carriage position cannot be determined after power down
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder strip with uniquely spaced index markings is pre-configured with distinctive patterns before operation. When the carriage moves along the path, the sensor detects these pre-existing unique patterns to immediately determine position without requiring time-consuming initialization or homing sequences after power-up.
Solution Approach 2:
An encoder strip serves as an intermediary reference system between the carriage and the control system. The strip contains uniquely spaced index markings that act as a mediator, allowing the sensor to translate physical position into identifiable digital signals for immediate position determination upon power-up.
2Measurement precision
If uniformly spaced encoder markings are used, then continuous position tracking is enabled, but unique position identification after power-up becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder strip combines uniform spacing with asymmetric unique patterns. The uniformly spaced encoder markings provide regular measurement intervals for continuous tracking, while the uniquely spaced index markings introduce asymmetric distinctive patterns that enable immediate position identification after power-up by serving as recognizable reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder strip is segmented into two functional components: uniformly spaced encoder markings for continuous position measurement and uniquely spaced index markings for position identification. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function while working together to solve both measurement precision and position reference requirements.
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
This solution enables precise and reliable determination of the carriage position, ensuring accurate image formation and printing by correlating detected distances with known position information, thereby addressing the challenge of initial positioning after power-up.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor coupled to the carriage and positioned adjacent the path detects a pair of adjacent index markings
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of uniquely spaced markings are disclosed.