Liquid Ejection Apparatus Nozzle Purge Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face challenges in effectively performing purge operations when the number of abnormal nozzles varies across different types, leading to potential deterioration in print quality due to inadequate or excessive purge procedures.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a controller that acquires abnormal nozzle information for multiple nozzle groups with different ejection conditions and determines whether to perform a purge based on specific thresholds for each group, ensuring appropriate purge operations by covering all types of nozzles with a common cap and applying pressure through a pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common threshold is set for all nozzles covered by the cap, then the purge operation is simplified, but the print quality deteriorates when abnormal nozzles in specific types are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the threshold setting by nozzle type. Instead of using a single common threshold for all nozzles, it establishes separate threshold values for each nozzle type (first threshold for first nozzle type, second threshold for second nozzle type, etc.). This segmentation allows the system to accurately detect abnormal nozzles of each type while maintaining manageable operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual thresholds are set for each nozzle type, then the print quality is maintained, but the total number of abnormal nozzles may be underestimated when summing across types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third threshold as an intermediary condition for triggering purge operations. In addition to comparing abnormal nozzle counts against individual type-specific thresholds, the system also evaluates whether the total count of abnormal nozzles across all types exceeds this third threshold. This intermediary mechanism ensures that purge operations are performed when the cumulative number of abnormal nozzles warrants cleaning, even if individual type thresholds are not exceeded.
3Productivity
If purge is not performed when individual thresholds are not exceeded, then unnecessary purge operations are avoided, but print quality deteriorates when total abnormal nozzles exceed acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the number of abnormal nozzles for each type and the total number of abnormal nozzles. Based on this feedback, the controller determines whether to initiate purge operations by evaluating multiple conditions: individual type thresholds, total abnormal nozzle count against the third threshold, and the combination of these factors. This feedback loop ensures that purge operations are triggered at the appropriate moments to maintain print quality while avoiding unnecessary operations.
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 apparatus ensures appropriate purge operations based on the number of abnormal nozzles, enhancing print quality by accurately determining when to perform purge actions, thereby preventing quality deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to apply pressure to liquid in the head
Data Source
AI summary
A controller performs: in a case where a particular condition is satisfied, acquiring abnormal nozzle information relating to numbers of first and second abnormal nozzles and a total number of abnormal nozzles; determining whether a purge is to be performed, the determining including determining that the purge is to be performed in a case where at least one of a plurality of purge conditions is satisfied, the plurality of purge conditions including a first purge condition that the number of the first abnormal nozzles is a first threshold or more, a second purge condition that the number of the second abnormal nozzles is a second threshold or more, and a third purge condition that the total number of abnormal nozzles is a third threshold or more; and in response to determining that the purge is to be performed, controlling a pump to perform the purge.