Liquid Ejection Head Contact Detection for Nozzle Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with foreign materials adhering to ejection units due to contact with media, leading to potential clogging and impaired liquid ejection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a detection unit to detect contact between the ejection unit and medium, along with a notification unit to prompt confirmation of nozzle surfaces and provide guidance for appropriate recovery processing based on the adhesion position of coagulated matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ejection unit contacts the medium during liquid ejection, then the liquid can be deposited onto the medium, but foreign materials may adhere to the ejection unit causing nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit performs preliminary detection of contact between the ejection unit and medium before foreign material adhesion can cause clogging. Upon detecting contact, the system proactively notifies the user to check and clean the nozzle surface, preventing the progression to nozzle clogging and maintaining reliable liquid ejection functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the second liquid containing coagulating component is ejected, then the first liquid can be coagulated on the medium, but coagulated matter may adhere to the ejection unit when contact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit provides real-time feedback about contact between the ejection unit and medium. When contact is detected, the notification unit alerts the user to check and clean the nozzle surface, preventing coagulated matter from adhering to and clogging the nozzles. This feedback mechanism ensures high liquid coagulation quality while preventing harmful adhesion.
3Reliability
If contact between ejection unit and medium is detected, then nozzle surface can be confirmed and cleaned, but ejection operation must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a detection unit that automatically monitors contact between the ejection unit and medium, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring. When contact is detected, the notification unit alerts the user to perform cleaning, enabling the system to maintain reliable nozzle surface cleanliness through automated detection while minimizing operational interruption.
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
Prevents clogging of nozzles by ensuring timely detection and cleaning of adhered coagulated matter, maintaining consistent liquid ejection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a second liquid containing a component for coagulating the first liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes an ejection unit including a first ejection unit having a first nozzle surface in which a first nozzle is opened, the first ejection unit being configured to eject a first liquid from the first nozzle onto a medium, and a second ejection unit having a second nozzle surface in which a second nozzle is opened, the second ejection unit being configured to eject a second liquid from the second nozzle onto a medium, the second liquid containing a component for coagulating the first liquid, a detection unit configured to detect contact between the ejection unit and a medium, and a notification unit configured to perform notification of information for prompting confirmation of the first nozzle surface and the second nozzle surface when the detection unit detects contact between the ejection unit and a medium.