Atmospheric Pressure Detection Unit Relocation for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with accurately detecting atmospheric pressure due to contamination from dust, dirt, and mist, which affects the suction mechanism's performance during maintenance operations, especially at varying altitudes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head, a suction mechanism, an atmospheric pressure detection unit with vents facing outside the transport path, and a control unit that adjusts the suction mechanism's operation based on detected atmospheric pressure, with the detection unit positioned higher than the transport path to minimize contamination and optimize suction timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the atmospheric pressure detection unit uses a vent for communication with the atmosphere, then atmospheric pressure can be detected, but undesirable matter such as dust, dirt, and liquid droplets may enter the sensor through the vent
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric pressure detection unit is repositioned from a location within or near the transport path to a location outside and above the transport path. This spatial relocation in a different dimension (vertical elevation) allows the vent to communicate with the atmosphere while being positioned above the level where undesirable matter accumulates, thus preventing contamination while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The atmospheric pressure detection unit is extracted from the transport path area and placed in a separate location outside the transport path. This separation removes the detection unit from the harmful environment where dust, dirt, and liquid droplets are present, allowing it to function accurately without contamination
2Measurement precision
If the atmospheric pressure detection unit is positioned within or near the transport path, then it can detect atmospheric pressure, but it is exposed to mist and liquid droplets from the liquid ejecting head
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is relocated vertically above the transport path, changing its position in the vertical dimension. This elevation places it above the zone where mist and liquid droplets are generated and travel, allowing atmospheric pressure detection without exposure to liquid contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The atmospheric pressure detection unit is extracted from the transport path area and positioned outside it. This removal from the harmful environment eliminates exposure to mist and liquid droplets while preserving the ability to detect atmospheric pressure through the vent
3Measurement precision
If the vent of the atmospheric pressure detection unit faces the transport path, then atmospheric pressure can be detected, but the vent is more likely to be blocked by undesirable matter
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is oriented to face away from the transport path by positioning the detection unit above and outside the transport path. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimension directs the vent opening away from sources of dust and dirt, reducing blockage risk while maintaining atmospheric communication
Solution Approach 2:
The vent is extracted from the transport path environment by relocating the detection unit outside the transport path. This separation removes the vent from exposure to dust and dirt that could cause blockages, while preserving its function of communicating with the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid to a medium transported along a transport path, a suction mechanism that sucks an interior of the liquid ejecting head, an atmospheric pressure detection unit that has a vent for communication with an atmosphere and that detects atmospheric pressure, and a control unit that controls operation of the suction mechanism on the basis of a value of atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure detection unit. The atmospheric pressure detection unit is disposed at a location that is outside the transport path and that is higher than the transport path.