Temperature Sensor Placement in Liquid Ejection Connection Passages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid ejecting devices face challenges in accurately detecting ink temperature due to the complexity of electrical wiring and remote placement of temperature sensors, which degrades temperature detection accuracy and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting device with a temperature sensor positioned at the connection passage between the supply passage and manifolds, allowing for more accurate temperature detection of the ink flowing into the nozzles, reducing wiring complexity and costs by distributing the ink uniformly to the manifolds before ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned closer to the nozzles (downstream of the manifold), then the temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the electrical wiring becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple independent connection passages, each serving a specific manifold. The temperature sensor is strategically positioned at one of these connection passages, allowing localized temperature monitoring without requiring complex wiring throughout the entire system. This segmentation enables precise temperature detection while maintaining wiring simplicity.
2Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is provided at the ink-supply port (remote from nozzles), then the electrical wiring is simplified, but the temperature detection accuracy is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is positioned at the connection passage where liquid is distributed to the manifolds, enabling preliminary temperature detection before the liquid reaches the nozzles. This allows the system to anticipate temperature conditions and adjust accordingly, achieving accurate temperature monitoring without requiring the sensor to be placed immediately at the nozzle location, thus balancing wiring simplicity with detection accuracy.
3Productivity
If multiple outward passages are provided, then the liquid distribution is improved, but additional connection passages and temperature sensors are required, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor positioned at the connection passage serves multiple functions: it monitors the temperature of liquid being distributed to multiple manifolds simultaneously, provides data for adjusting driving voltages across all piezoelectric elements, and enables centralized temperature control for the entire liquid ejection system. This multi-functionality allows efficient liquid distribution without proportionally increasing 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 configuration enables precise temperature detection closer to the nozzles, improving the accuracy of ink ejection control and reducing production costs by simplifying electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric elements are configured to apply pressure to corresponding pressure chambers to eject ink from corresponding nozzles
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is provided at the connection passage and is configured to detect a temperature of the liquid flowing through the connection passage
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge includes: a plurality of nozzles; a plurality of pressure chambers each in communication with each nozzle; a plurality of piezoelectric elements; a plurality of manifolds; a supply passage; a connection passage; and a temperature sensor. Each piezoelectric element is configured to apply pressure to liquid stored in each pressure chamber. The manifolds are in communication with the pressure chambers. The connection passage connects the supply passage to each of the manifolds and is configured to distribute the liquid supplied from the supply passage into the plurality of manifolds. The temperature sensor is provided at the connection passage and is configured to detect a temperature of the liquid flowing through the connection passage.