Variable Velocity Recording Head for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in moving velocity of recording heads in image recording apparatuses leads to longer acceleration and deceleration sections, resulting in larger apparatus sizes and reduced image quality due to shifts in liquid landing positions during acceleration and deceleration.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a controller that executes two recording modes: a first mode with higher velocity and a second mode with lower velocity, allowing the apparatus to record images during the second velocity changing period, which includes a larger movement range, thereby inhibiting size increase and image quality deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the moving velocity of the recording head is increased to achieve fast printing, then productivity is improved, but the acceleration and deceleration sections become longer, leading to an increase in apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the recording head velocity variable rather than constant. The velocity is dynamically adjusted based on the recording position: higher velocity in constant velocity sections for fast printing, and lower velocity in acceleration/deceleration sections to limit the length of these sections, thereby controlling apparatus size while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the velocity parameter of the recording head based on the recording section. By setting different velocity values for different recording sections (constant velocity section vs. acceleration/deceleration sections), the system achieves both fast printing and controlled apparatus size
2Length of stationary object
If liquid is discharged during acceleration or deceleration of the recording head to inhibit apparatus size increase, then apparatus size is controlled, but the landing position of the liquid shifts from the constant velocity position, reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the velocity characteristic location-dependent. In acceleration and deceleration sections, the recording head moves at lower velocity to maintain liquid landing precision, while in constant velocity sections, it moves at higher velocity for fast printing. This localized velocity adjustment ensures both apparatus size control and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the velocity parameter based on the recording section type. By setting lower velocity in acceleration/deceleration sections and higher velocity in constant velocity sections, the system maintains liquid landing accuracy where needed while achieving fast printing where possible
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image recording apparatus including an image recording head; a scanner; a conveyer; and a controller. The controller is configured to execute first and second recording modes in which the controller causes the image recording head to accelerate to first and second velocities, to move at the first and second velocities, and then to decelerate from the first and second velocities, while causing the image recording head to record the image at least during moving at the first and second velocities, respectively. In a case that the controller has determined, based on printing data, that the image is to be recorded during a first velocity changing period, the controller executes the second recording mode. The first velocity changing period includes a first acceleration and deceleration periods in which the image recording head accelerates and decelerates, respectively.