Liquid Ejection Apparatus Resistance Uniformization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variation in liquid discharge amounts among ejection-opening groups in liquid ejection apparatuses due to differences in resistance values of ejection passages leads to unnecessary liquid consumption or clogging, exacerbated by manufacturing errors that increase costs and reduce yields.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that classify ejection-opening groups based on resistance values and assign suction passages with specific resistance values to each group, using pressure sensors and adjusters to control and uniformize the resistance, ensuring consistent liquid discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the resistance values of ejection passages are uniformalized to reduce liquid discharge variation, then liquid discharge consistency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to stringent tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the resistance parameter of suction passages to compensate for variations in ejection passage resistance. By adjusting the suction passage resistance (e.g., through diameter, length, or structure modifications), the system achieves uniform liquid discharge amounts without requiring stringent ejection passage resistance uniformity, thus avoiding complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention measures the liquid discharge amount for each ejection-opening group and uses this feedback information to determine appropriate suction passage resistance values. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for manufacturing variations by assigning suction passages with tailored resistance characteristics to each ejection-opening group.
2Manufacturing precision
If suction passages are assigned based on measured liquid discharge amounts, then liquid discharge consistency is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase due to additional measurement and assignment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs liquid discharge amount measurements and suction passage assignments during the manufacturing process itself, rather than as a separate post-manufacturing step. By integrating the measurement and assignment operations into the manufacturing flow, the system achieves uniform liquid discharge without significantly extending overall production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own liquid discharge function to measure and evaluate the performance of each ejection-opening group during manufacturing. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external testing equipment and complex evaluation procedures, streamlining the manufacturing process while achieving precise matching between ejection passages and suction passages.
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
This approach reduces the variation in liquid discharge amounts and minimizes yield deterioration, achieving uniform resistance values and reducing manufacturing costs by optimizing the assignment of suction passages and adjusters based on pressure sensor feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a sucking device configured to suck fluid through the plurality of suction passages from the plurality of recesses respectively formed in the plurality of caps
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a head having ejection-opening groups and ejection-passage groups; caps for covering the respective ejection-openings groups; and suction passages connecting between the interiors of the respective caps and a sucking device. A method of manufacturing the liquid ejection apparatus includes: a step of classifying, as a first group, an ejection-opening group corresponding to an ejection-passage group having a resistance value not less than a first value and classifying, as a second group, another ejection-opening group corresponding to an ejection-passage group having a resistance value less than the first value; and a step of assigning at least one suction passage having a resistance value less than a second value to the ejection-opening group as the first group and assigning another at least one suction passage having a resistance value not less than the second value to the ejection-opening group as the second group.