CIJ Printer Ink Pollution Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial continuous inkjet printers face the challenge of detecting ink pollution on deflection electrodes, which affects the electrodes' ability to correctly deflect ink drops and can lead to printer malfunctions. Current methods lack effective detection and prevention of ink pollution.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method for detecting residual dry or liquid conducting ink on deflection electrodes using a current detector and a calculator to analyze current values and derivatives, triggering a cleaning signal when pollution is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deflection electrodes are used to deflect ink drops, then printing functionality is achieved, but ink pollution accumulates on the electrodes making detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual/mechanical inspection methods with an electrical measurement system. A current detector monitors the electrical current through the deflection electrode, and when ink pollution occurs, the conductive ink changes the current characteristics. This electrical field-based detection method substitutes for difficult visual detection, enabling automatic and precise measurement of pollution levels without mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system (current detector and calculator) that indirectly detects ink pollution. Instead of directly observing the ink on the electrode, the system measures the electrical current as an intermediary parameter that changes in response to ink accumulation. This intermediary measurement enables detection of the pollution state without direct contact or visual inspection.
2Productivity
If ink pollution is not detected, then the printer continues operating, but electrode deflection capability deteriorates leading to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the current detector continuously monitors electrode current, the calculator analyzes the measurements to detect pollution, and the system triggers cleaning operations when pollution thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous operation while maintaining electrode reliability by automatically responding to pollution detection, preventing malfunction before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and triggering of cleaning operations before the electrode deflection capability completely deteriorates. By continuously monitoring current and detecting pollution at early stages, the system enables proactive maintenance that preserves printing functionality and prevents malfunction, allowing continuous operation without unexpected failures.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used to detect ink pollution, then operator monitoring is simple, but dark ink on dark electrodes makes pollution invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection with an electrical measurement system. Instead of relying on operator vision to detect dark ink on dark electrodes, the system uses current detectors to measure electrical properties that change when ink accumulates. This substitution of visual detection with electrical measurement overcomes the contrast problem entirely, providing both ease of operation and high measurement precision simultaneously.
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
The solution effectively detects and alerts for ink pollution on deflection electrodes, preventing malfunctions by triggering cleaning operations and allowing for proactive maintenance to ensure continuous printer operation.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply (5) for providing at least one deflection voltage to said deflection electrodes (4) of said printer for deflecting the drops
Implementation Method 2
a current detector (14) detecting a current provided by said power supply (5) while applying said at least one deflection voltage
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention concerns a circuit for a CIJ printer, said circuit comprising: - a power supply (5) for providing at least one deflection voltage to deflection electrodes for deflecting the drops; - a conducting ink detecting unit (5, 10), to detect the presence of residual dry or liquid conducting ink on or in contact with said deflection electrodes, said unit comprising: * a current detector (14) detecting a current provided by said power supply while applying said at least one deflection voltage; * and a calculator (10) programmed to calculate at least one first value derived from said current during a period of time and to detect the presence of residual dry or liquid conducting ink on, or in contact with, at least one of said deflection electrodes, based on said at least one derived value.