Liquid Ejection Head Temperature Feedback for Stable Ink Circulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection devices face issues with excessive circulation of liquid leading to heat generation and thickening due to evaporation of volatile components, affecting ejection speed and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection device with a temperature detection portion and control system to regulate the energy generation elements, controlling the circulation amount based on detected temperature to prevent excessive liquid circulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If circulation driving operation is performed to suppress increase in liquid viscosity, then ejection stability is improved, but heat generation and liquid thickening occur due to excessive circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection stabilityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control portion monitors the number of circulation operations performed and dynamically adjusts the circulation driving operations accordingly. The control portion is configured to perform circulation driving operations a predetermined number of times based on feedback about the actual number of times circulation has been performed, preventing excessive circulation that would cause heat generation and liquid thickening while maintaining ejection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If number of circulation operations is increased to ensure adequate circulation, then liquid viscosity is controlled, but circulation time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity controlVSAvoidcirculation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of circulation operations based on real-time conditions. The control portion dynamically determines the number of circulation operations to perform by monitoring the actual number of times circulation has been performed and adjusting subsequent circulation driving operations accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures adequate viscosity control while minimizing unnecessary circulation time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If circulation driving element is driven continuously to maintain liquid flow, then ejection accuracy is maintained, but liquid thickening occurs due to prolonged circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection accuracyVSAvoidliquid thickening

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic circulation driving operations rather than continuous operation. The control portion is configured to perform circulation driving operations intermittently, driving the circulation driving element for a predetermined number of times and then stopping. This periodic action maintains ejection accuracy by periodically refreshing the liquid flow while preventing liquid thickening that would result from prolonged continuous circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 device effectively suppresses excessive liquid circulation, maintaining ejection stability and accuracy while minimizing waste ink and improving throughput.

Implementation Method 1

a first energy generation element provided at a position corresponding to the pressure chamber of the channel forming portion, and generates energy for ejecting the liquid through the ejection opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second energy generation element provided at a position corresponding to the individual channel of the channel forming portion, and generates energy for passing the liquid through the individual channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a temperature detection portion configured to detect a temperature, and is disposed at a position corresponding to the first energy generation element or the second energy generation element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 4

a volatile component contained in the liquid may evaporate and increase the viscosity of the liquid around the ejection opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20260048587A1Liquid ejection device and liquid ejection head

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A liquid ejection device includes: a channel forming portion including an ejection opening through which a liquid is ejected, a pressure chamber communicating with the ejection opening, and an individual channel communicating with the pressure chamber; a first energy generation element provided at a position corresponding to the pressure chamber of the channel forming portion, and generates energy for ejecting the liquid through the ejection opening; a second energy generation element provided at a position corresponding to the individual channel of the channel forming portion, and generates energy for passing the liquid through the individual channel; a temperature detection portion configured to detect a temperature, and is disposed at a position corresponding to the first energy generation element or the second energy generation element; and a control portion configured to control driving of the second energy generation element based on a detection result of the temperature detection portion.