Print Head Gutter Impedance Detection for Ink Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous ink jet printers face challenges in accurately recovering ink and detecting ink projections onto the print head, leading to inefficiencies and ink loss, with existing methods being inadequate for identifying correct recovery and addressing issues like jet deviation and ink accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A print head with a conductive detection element integrated into the ink recovery gutter system, capable of detecting variations in impedance when ink or solvent comes into contact, allowing for precise identification of ink presence and recovery quality, and enabling the localization of ink projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase measurement of charged particles is used to detect gutter overflow, then overflow detection capability is improved, but inability to detect jet brushing against gutter edge and ink projection on print head surfaces persists
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive element is introduced as an intermediary between the ink jet system and the detection system. This conductive element serves as a mediator that can detect both charged particles in the gutter and uncharged ink projections on print head surfaces through impedance variations, thereby extending detection capability across different ink states and locations
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive element is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously: detecting overflow in the gutter, detecting jet brushing against the gutter edge, and detecting ink projections on print head surfaces. This multi-functional approach resolves the limitation of the previous single-purpose phase measurement system
2Measurement precision
If impedance variation detection is implemented in the recovery circuit, then ink recovery quality monitoring is improved, but inability to localize specific ink projection positions on print head remains
Solution Approach 1:
The print head surface is divided into multiple detection zones, each equipped with its own conductive element. When ink projects onto a specific zone, only the conductive element in that zone experiences impedance variation, enabling both detection and precise localization of the ink projection position
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the conventional mechanical or visual inspection methods with an electrical impedance-based detection system. Conductive elements distributed across the print head surface create an electrical field that interacts with ink projections, providing both detection and spatial information through impedance measurements
3Measurement precision
If multiple conductive elements are distributed on print head surface, then detection coverage and localization capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive elements are electrically connected in parallel configuration, merging their detection functions into a unified measurement system. This approach maintains high detection coverage and localization capability while simplifying the readout circuitry and reducing the complexity of signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are designed to be self-powered through the existing electrical fields in the ink jet system. The high voltage fields used for droplet charging and deviation also serve to power the conductive elements, eliminating the need for separate power supplies and reducing system complexity
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 monitors ink recovery and projection detection, improving print head operation, reducing ink loss, and enabling timely cleaning, thus enhancing printing efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
capable of detecting variations in impedance when ink or solvent comes into contact
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a print head of a continuous ink jet printer, comprising, in a cover: - means for producing at least one inkjet; - means for separating drops of jets intended for printing from those that do not serve for printing; - a slot, enabling drops intended for printing to get out; - a recovery gutter (7) for drops not intended for printing, said recovery gutter comprising an ink recovery volume (12); - at least one detection conductor (20), arranged inside the head, against an interior surface of the cover or against a surface of the recovery gutter (7), or at a distance from the recovery gutter; - means (16) for detecting a variation in impedance of at least one of said detection conductors when ink (21) is present in contact with said conductor or with a dielectric layer (22) in contact therewith.