Ink Temperature Control in Image Recording Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording devices, such as ink-jet printers, face challenges in maintaining optimal ink temperature due to the recording head's heat generation, which can deviate from the overall ink path temperature, affecting ink viscosity and ejection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image recording device with temperature sensors in each recording head and a control mechanism that circulates ink and adjusts temperature based on sensor readings to minimize heat effects from the recording head, ensuring optimal ink temperature across the ink path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is provided in the recording head to detect ink temperature, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to heat generation from the recording head driving
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulator is inserted between the recording head and the temperature sensor to block heat conduction from the recording head to the sensor. This intermediary component prevents the harmful thermal influence from reaching the measurement point, allowing accurate ink temperature detection despite the recording head's heat generation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is extracted from direct contact with the recording head and positioned in the ink flow path separately. By taking out the sensor from the heat-generating environment and placing it where it can measure ink temperature without being influenced by recording head heat, the measurement accuracy is maintained while avoiding the harmful thermal effect.
2Productivity
If the recording head is driven to eject ink, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature stability deteriorates due to heat generation affecting ink viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the ink temperature in the ink flow path and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the heating mechanism to compensate for temperature changes caused by recording head operation, maintaining stable ink temperature and viscosity for consistent ejection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the heating power applied to the ink based on detected temperature variations. When the recording head generates heat and raises ink temperature, the heating mechanism is adjusted or turned off to prevent further temperature rise, thereby maintaining ink viscosity within the optimal range for stable ejection.
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 solution effectively maintains the ink temperature within a preferable range, reducing the impact of heat generation from the recording head and improving ink ejection consistency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor provided in each of the heads
Implementation Method 2
an ink path which connects the tank with the heads and in which the ink is circulated by a circulation driving means
Implementation Method 3
controlling a heating mechanism based on temperature information detected by one of the temperature sensors to adjust the temperature of the ink
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording device include a control section. The control section circulates the ink in the ink path by section of a circulation driving section, sets at least one of the heads selected based on a temperature of the heads as a temperature measurement head, and controls the temperature of the ink based on an output value from a corresponding one of the temperature sensors provided in the temperature measurement head.