Liquid Ejection Head Voltage Aging for Stable Ejection After Kogation Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses experience unstable ejection characteristics due to kogation, which is exacerbated by inconsistent kogation removal processes across different states of the liquid ejection head, leading to variations in printing output quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a control unit that executes an aging process to accumulate kogation on electrodes and a kogation removal process to dissolve it, using varying potential differences based on the head's state, ensuring stable ejection characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aging process is performed under the same conditions regardless of the liquid ejection head state, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the ejection characteristics after aging vary depending on the initial state of the liquid ejection head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the aging process conditions variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts aging parameters (such as ejection frequency, voltage, or duration) based on the detected initial state of the liquid ejection head. This allows the system to adapt to different starting conditions (new head vs. head after kogation removal) and achieve consistent ejection characteristics despite varying initial states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying at least one parameter of the aging process based on the liquid ejection head's initial state. For example, the aging voltage, ejection frequency, or total aging time is adjusted according to whether the head is new or has undergone kogation removal. This ensures that the aging process effectively stabilizes the electrode surface regardless of the starting condition.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If kogation is completely removed from the heater surface, then the heater surface is cleaned, but the ejection characteristics change greatly after subsequent ejection operations compared to operating from a state with some kogation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of kogation into a beneficial stabilizing factor. Rather than completely removing kogation, the system allows a controlled amount to accumulate during the aging process, or performs aging after kogation removal to recreate a stable kogation layer. This controlled kogation acts as a buffer that stabilizes ejection characteristics, transforming the originally harmful substance into a protective element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the aging process before actual printing operations. This preliminary ejection process allows kogation to accumulate to an optimal level or stabilizes the electrode surface in advance, ensuring that subsequent printing operations proceed with stable ejection characteristics. The aging process prepares the system in advance to avoid large fluctuations during normal operation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the liquid ejection head is used in an initial state with almost no kogation, then the heater surface is clean, but ejection characteristics change as kogation accumulates during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the aging process as a preliminary action before normal printing operations begin. During this aging phase, kogation is allowed to accumulate to an optimal level or the electrode surface is stabilized through controlled ejection. This preliminary preparation ensures that when actual printing starts, the ejection characteristics are already stable and will not undergo significant changes during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters during the aging process compared to normal printing. By adjusting parameters such as ejection frequency, voltage, or duration during aging, the system optimizes kogation accumulation or electrode stabilization. These parameter changes during the preliminary phase create the desired stable state without affecting normal printing parameters.
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
Stabilizes ejection characteristics by addressing kogation through controlled electrochemical reactions, maintaining consistent printing quality regardless of the liquid ejection head's condition.
Implementation Method 1
a heating resistor configured to generate heat with power supply, thereby generating energy for ejecting a liquid
Implementation Method 2
a kogation removal process of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby dissolving a surface of the first electrode into the liquid and removing the accumulated kogation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique capable of obtaining stable ejection characteristics. For this purpose, as a potential difference between an electrode 121 and a counter electrode 129 in an aging process, different potential differences ΔVa are used for a brand-new liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection head having undergone a kogation removal operation.