Ink Circulation Channel Concentration Feedback for Landing Position Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recording apparatuses with circulation channels face deviations in ink landing positions due to increasing ink concentration in the circulation channels, which existing techniques cannot accurately correct.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus comprising a recording head, circulation channel, concentration acquisition unit, and adjustment unit that acquires and adjusts ink discharge timing based on concentration information to maintain ideal ink landing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circulation channels are used to prevent discharge port clogging, then discharge port reliability is improved, but ink concentration increases in circulation channels causing landing position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the state of ink in circulation channels is detected (concentration, temperature, viscosity), and discharge timing is adjusted based on this detected state. This closed-loop control allows the system to compensate for ink concentration changes caused by circulation, thereby maintaining accurate landing positions while preserving the clogging-prevention benefits of circulation channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (discharge timing, temperature, viscosity) based on the detected state of ink in circulation channels. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for concentration changes in the circulation channels, preventing landing position deviation while maintaining the reliability benefits of circulation.
2Reliability
If ink circulation is continuous, then discharge port clogging is prevented, but ink concentration gradually increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors ink state parameters (concentration, temperature, viscosity) in the circulation channels and uses this feedback to adjust discharge timing. This allows the system to maintain continuous circulation for clogging prevention while compensating for the gradual concentration increase through real-time parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of discharge timing based on the changing state of ink in circulation channels. Instead of fixed discharge parameters, the system adaptively modifies discharge timing in response to real-time measurements of ink concentration, temperature, and viscosity, allowing the system to handle the dynamic concentration changes caused by continuous circulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If discharge timing is adjusted based on driving pause intervals, then recovery from pause concentration is corrected, but concentration in circulation channels cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based correction method (adjusting based on driving pause intervals) with a sensing-based approach. By using sensors to directly measure ink concentration, temperature, and viscosity in the circulation channels, the system substitutes indirect time-based estimation with direct physical measurement, enabling accurate real-time correction of landing positions.
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
Effectively corrects deviations in ink landing positions by adjusting discharge timing according to ink concentration in circulation channels, ensuring precise ink placement.
Implementation Method 1
The circulation channel is in communication with the pressure chamber to circulate the ink between the pressure chamber and an external portion thereof
Implementation Method 2
The concentration acquisition unit is configured to acquire concentration information about an ink concentration in the circulation channel
Implementation Method 3
The adjustment unit is configured to adjust a timing to discharge the ink based on the concentration information
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording head, a circulation channel, a concentration acquisition unit, an adjustment unit, and a control unit. The recording head includes a plurality of discharge ports through which ink is discharged and a pressure chamber being in communication with the plurality of discharge ports. The circulation channel is in communication with the pressure chamber to circulate the ink between the pressure chamber and an external portion thereof such that the ink is supplied to and collected from the pressure chamber. The concentration acquisition unit is configured to acquire concentration information about an ink concentration in the circulation channel. The adjustment unit is configured to adjust a timing to discharge the ink based on the concentration information. The control unit is configured to control a recording operation of recording by discharging the ink from the recording head such that the ink is discharged at the adjusted timing.