Liquid Ejection Apparatus Deformable Path Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-viscosity liquids in printing applications face challenges with evaporation leading to increased frequency of recovery actions, which can result in excessive ink discharge and printing failures.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with deformable regions in fluid paths connected to the ejection port, allowing for ink displacement and circulation to prevent thickening, thereby reducing ink discharge during recovery processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-viscosity liquid is used for high-speed and high-quality printing, then printing performance is improved, but evaporation of moisture from ejection port increases frequency of recovery actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs recovery actions proactively based on predetermined criteria (ejection port temperature, number of printed sheets, elapsed time) before actual ejection failure occurs. This preliminary recovery prevents viscosity increase from evaporation, maintaining reliable ejection state during high-speed printing of high-viscosity liquids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (ejection port temperature, liquid composition, recovery timing) to optimize the balance between maintaining liquid viscosity for print quality and preventing evaporation-induced thickening. By controlling temperature and selecting appropriate liquid formulations, the system maintains stable ejection performance.
2Reliability
If recovery action is performed frequently to maintain ejection state, then ejection reliability is improved, but amount of liquid discharged increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical recovery methods (pressurization, heating) with a circulation-based approach using a circulation pump. This circulates liquid through the ejection port to restore ejection state without discharging liquid, eliminating the trade-off between reliability and substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discharging liquid during recovery, the patent recirculates it back into the system. The circulation pump moves liquid from the reservoir through the ejection port and back, recovering what would otherwise be wasted liquid and maintaining ejection state simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If ejection head is kept warm to eject high-viscosity liquid, then ejection performance is improved, but evaporation rate increases frequency of recovery actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a circulation pump (hydraulic element) to circulate liquid through the ejection port, providing mechanical refreshment that counteracts evaporation effects. This hydraulic circulation system maintains ejection performance without relying solely on thermal management, reducing moisture loss from evaporation.
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 suppresses ink discharge during recovery, maintaining optimal ejection states and reducing printing failures associated with ink thickening.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable region which is a part of the path and is formed from a flexible member; and a displacement unit configured to displace the liquid inside the path by an action of the deformable region
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus capable of suppressing the amount of liquid to discharge by recovery processing is provided. The liquid ejection apparatus includes: a first path fluidly connected to an ejection port unit and provided with a deformable region; and a second path fluidly connected to the first path via the ejection port unit and provided with a deformable region. Here, a flow of liquid is generated between the first path and the second path by a displacement unit.