Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Ink Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in accurately controlling ink ejection characteristics due to changes in viscosity and surface tension, leading to potential errors in ejection processes before recovery processes can be executed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a specifying unit that analyzes residual vibrations to determine the viscosity and surface tension of the ink, allowing for real-time adjustment of the ejection pulse waveform to maintain consistent ejection characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the viscosity of the liquid is detected by analyzing residual vibration, then the viscosity can be measured, but the ejection characteristics may still be erroneous before recovery process execution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary adjustment of the ejection pulse waveform based on detected viscosity and surface tension values before actual ejection operations. This preliminary action modifies the drive waveform in advance to compensate for detected liquid property variations, ensuring accurate ejection characteristics from the start rather than requiring post-detection recovery processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where residual vibration is continuously analyzed to detect viscosity and surface tension, which then feeds back to dynamically adjust the ejection pulse waveform. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that ejection characteristics remain accurate by continuously adapting to changes in liquid properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ejection pulse waveform is adjusted based on viscosity and surface tension, then ejection characteristics are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of the ejection pulse waveform (amplitude, width, shape) based on detected viscosity and surface tension values. By dynamically adjusting these waveform parameters, the system maintains consistent ejection characteristics across varying liquid properties without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The residual vibration analysis mechanism serves multiple functions: it detects viscosity, detects surface tension, and provides feedback for waveform adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving precise ejection control.
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 reduces errors in ink ejection characteristics by dynamically adjusting the ejection pulse waveform based on ink properties, ensuring uniform printing and optimizing droplet formation.
Implementation Method 1
a drive element that changes a pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
specifying a viscosity of the liquid in the nozzle and a surface tension of the liquid in the nozzle from a residual vibration when the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber is changed
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus, where the liquid ejecting apparatus includes a pressure chamber that communicates with a nozzle that ejects a liquid, a drive element that changes a pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber, and a drive circuit that supplies the drive element with an ejection pulse that generates a change in the pressure that ejects the liquid from the nozzle, the method includes specifying a viscosity of the liquid in the nozzle and a surface tension of the liquid in the nozzle from a residual vibration when the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber is changed, and controlling a waveform of the ejection pulse according to the viscosity and the surface tension.