Cover Position Detection for Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as printers, the cover can adhere to the liquid accommodating unit, preventing correct movement and potentially contaminating the cover when liquid is discharged, as it may not be able to open or close properly, affecting the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a movable cover that can be detected by a detection unit, allowing for accurate positioning and movement between open and closed states, ensuring proper operation and reducing contamination risks during empty discharging processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is positioned to cover the liquid accommodating unit, then liquid discharge is prevented and contamination is reduced, but the cover may adhere and fail to move correctly
Solution Approach 1:
A detection unit is provided to detect whether the cover is positioned to cover the liquid accommodating unit. The control unit receives detection results and adjusts operations accordingly, creating a feedback loop that prevents adhesion issues by monitoring cover position and coordinating liquid discharge timing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operations based on cover position detection. When the cover is detected to be in the closed position, the control unit coordinates liquid discharge timing to prevent adhesion, making the system adaptive to the cover's actual state rather than relying on fixed mechanical movement
2Productivity
If the cover is moved to enable empty discharging, then liquid can be discharged from the liquid ejecting head, but the cover may be contaminated by liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit monitors cover position and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines whether to proceed with empty discharging or delay it until the cover is in the appropriate open position, preventing liquid contamination of the cover
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of cover position before initiating empty discharging. If the cover is not in the correct position, the system delays the discharging operation until the cover is properly positioned, ensuring that discharging only occurs when the cover will not be contaminated
3Productivity
If the cover adheres to the liquid accommodating unit, then the cover cannot be moved correctly, but continuous operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit continuously monitors cover position and provides feedback to the control unit. When adhesion is detected (cover position does not change as expected), the system can pause operations, alert the user, or automatically initiate corrective actions to maintain continuous operation without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential adhesion issues by having the detection unit monitor cover position in advance. When adhesion is detected, the control unit can pause liquid discharge operations or initiate cleaning routines before the adhesion causes failure, cushioning against reliability issues
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head configured to eject liquid from a nozzle onto a medium to perform printing, a liquid accommodating unit configured to receive, via an opening, the liquid ejected by empty discharging that ejects the liquid from the liquid ejecting head separately from the printing, a cover movable to a closed position where the opening of the liquid accommodating unit is covered and an open position where the opening is opened, and a detection unit configured to detect the cover positioned at the closed position or the open position.