Image Recording Apparatus Nozzle Condition Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses take a longer time to initiate image recording after receiving a record command due to the need for ink purging and discharge testing, which can be inefficient and may result in nozzle condition changes or noise issues.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a controller that performs discharge testing and stores condition signals, allowing for expedited nozzle preparation based on stored information, enabling quicker transition to image recording and reducing noise and condition changes by timing the expelling act with the receipt of a specific signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink purging is performed after receiving a record command, then nozzle conditions are ensured for accurate image recording, but the time from receiving the record command to starting image recording increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs discharge testing and stores condition signals in advance before the record command is received. When a record command arrives, the controller can immediately determine whether purging is needed based on pre-stored nozzle condition data, eliminating the delay of performing testing after the command is received.
2Loss of information
If discharge testing is performed regularly, then accurate nozzle condition information is obtained, but the system complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs discharge testing and stores the condition signals without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously manages the testing schedule, data storage, and decision-making for purging operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accurate nozzle condition information.
3Manufacturing precision
If ink purging is performed before every image recording, then image recording accuracy is improved, but noise disturbances increase and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing ink purging before every image recording, the system selectively performs purging only when the stored condition signals indicate that nozzle conditions require it. This partial action approach maintains image recording accuracy by addressing only the necessary cases while avoiding unnecessary purging operations that would generate noise and reduce efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a head to discharge liquid from nozzles, an expelling device to expel the liquid from the nozzles, a discharge-testing device to output condition signals according to discharging conditions of the nozzles, a storage to store information concerning the condition signals, and a controller. In response to receipt of a triggering event, the controller controls the discharge-testing device to output the condition signals and stores the information concerning the condition signals in the storage. In response to receipt of a record command, the controller controls the head to discharge the liquid for recording the image. In response to receipt of a particular signal, the controller controls the expelling device according to a determination, based on the information concerning the condition signals stored in the storage, whether the liquid is to be expelled from the nozzles.