Droplet Ejector Remoter Deterioration Diagnosis via Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droplet ejecting apparatuses cannot accurately determine whether the decrease in ink flow rate is due to filter deterioration or pump deterioration, as both components are in the same channel.
Innovation Solution
A droplet ejecting apparatus with a liquid feed pump and a remover in the liquid channel, where a hardware processor sets a pressure difference by making the upstream pressure higher than the downstream pressure, allowing for the acquisition of information on liquid pressure or flow rate to determine remover deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pump and filter are provided in the same channel to save space and simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impossible to determine whether the cause of decreased ink flow rate is pump deterioration or filter deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid feeding system into two separate channels: a first liquid channel containing only the pump, and a second liquid channel containing only the filter. This segmentation allows independent testing and determination of each component's status, resolving the inability to distinguish between pump and filter deterioration when they are combined in a single channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass channel as an intermediary pathway that allows liquid to flow independently of the main feeding channel. This bypass channel enables separate measurement and testing of pump and filter performance without interference from the other component, facilitating accurate deterioration determination.
2Device complexity
If the pump and filter are provided in the same channel, then the number of components is reduced, but the ability to perform accurate diagnosis and maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the liquid feeding system into separate channels for the pump and filter, the patent enables independent diagnosis and maintenance of each component. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to identify and address specific component issues without having to disassemble or test the entire system, improving maintenance efficiency despite the increased number of channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system measures liquid flow rates through different channels and uses this information to determine the status of the pump and filter. This feedback enables proactive maintenance by alerting users to component deterioration before complete failure occurs, improving ease of repair through informed decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If a pressure difference is formed across the remover to measure flow rate or pressure, then accurate determination of remover deterioration is enabled, but additional control mechanisms and energy consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pressure difference across the remover periodically or intermittently rather than continuously, using the bypass channel to enable measurement at specific intervals. This periodic application of pressure difference reduces energy consumption compared to continuous pressurization, while still providing sufficient data for accurate deterioration determination.
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
Enables accurate determination of remover deterioration, distinguishing between pump and filter issues, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sets, using a pressure generator, a pressure on an upstream side in a liquid feeding direction of the remover to be higher than a pressure on a downstream side in the liquid feeding direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a droplet ejecting apparatus including: a liquid feed pump that is provided in a liquid channel between a liquid storage to store liquid and a droplet ejector to eject liquid, and feeds out the liquid in the liquid storage to the droplet ejector; a remover that is located in the liquid channel and removes a foreign substance in liquid; and a hardware processor that: sets, using a pressure generator, a pressure on an upstream side in a liquid feeding direction of the remover to be higher than a pressure on a downstream side in the liquid feeding direction; acquires, from a measure, information capable of specifying a pressure or a flow rate of liquid in the liquid channel after a pressure difference is formed; and determines deterioration of the remover based on an acquired content.