Ink Jet Printing Apparatus Temperature Control via Sensor Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet printing apparatuses face challenges in performing suitable temperature control across multiple types, often resulting in inadequate temperature management due to the use of the same combination of temperature sensors for different control methods, leading to inefficiencies in ink discharge and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses multiple temperature sensors to calculate representative temperatures for each printing element array and sub-heater, allowing for precise control through driving pulse, sub-heater heating, overheating protection, and short-pulse heating controls, ensuring optimal ink temperature management and consistent image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same combination of temperature sensors is used for multiple types of temperature control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature sensing function into multiple independent temperature sensors (first temperature sensor and second temperature sensor) that are separately configured for different temperature control methods. This segmentation allows each sensor to provide accurate temperature data specific to its control purpose, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different temperature sensors to different locations and control purposes within the printing head system. The first temperature sensor is used for driving pulse control while the second temperature sensor is used for sub-heater control, ensuring that each control method receives accurate local temperature information appropriate to its specific function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple types of temperature control are performed using the same temperature sensors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement system into dedicated sensors for different control functions. This ensures that each temperature control method (driving pulse control and sub-heater control) receives accurate temperature data from its designated sensor, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where temperature sensors continuously monitor ink temperature and provide data to the control system. The control system adjusts driving pulses or sub-heater activation based on this feedback, ensuring precise ink discharge control while maintaining ease of operation through automated temperature regulation.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are configured for each printing element array, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions temperature sensors at specific locations within the printing head where they can accurately measure ink temperature for their respective control functions. This localized sensor placement provides precise temperature measurement without requiring a full sensor array for every printing element, thus balancing precision with device 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
This approach enables effective temperature control across various methods, reducing ink discharge fluctuations and improving image quality by using calculated representative temperatures to adjust driving pulses and heating strategies, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the ink jet printing process.
Implementation Method 1
multiple printing elements that generate thermal energy to discharge ink
Implementation Method 2
sub-heaters, different from the printing elements, are provided to the printing head, and are driven when the temperature of the ink is lower than a predetermined threshold value
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Each of multiple types of different temperature control is performed based on representative temperatures acquired using different combinations of temperature sensors in each type of temperature control.