Ink Viscosity Estimation via Residual Pressure Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink-jet recording apparatus requires complex processing to estimate the viscosity of ink, making it difficult to obtain accurate viscosity information for discharging performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet discharging apparatus with a discharging head, energy applying part, signal outputting circuit, and controller that uses viscosity estimation data associating discharge energy information with viscosity information to determine and estimate the viscosity of the ink inside the discharging head, simplifying the estimation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a variety of kinds of processing is performed to obtain information corresponding to residual pressure waves for viscosity estimation, then viscosity information can be obtained, but the processing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for viscosity estimation from the residual pressure waves. Instead of performing comprehensive processing of all pressure wave characteristics, the invention selectively uses specific features (such as the relationship between discharge energy and residual pressure) to estimate viscosity, thereby simplifying the processing while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and storage of the relationship between discharge energy and residual pressure characteristics under various viscosity conditions. This pre-established data relationship allows the system to estimate viscosity directly by comparing current measurements with stored reference data, avoiding complex real-time processing of residual pressure waves.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive processing is performed to obtain viscosity information from residual pressure waves, then viscosity can be estimated, but time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements to establish the relationship between discharge energy, residual pressure characteristics, and viscosity under various conditions. This pre-established data allows for rapid viscosity estimation by simple comparison with stored reference data, significantly reducing the time required for viscosity measurement while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a reference model or data table that copies the relationship between discharge energy, residual pressure waves, and viscosity under various conditions. During actual viscosity estimation, the system simply compares current measurements with this pre-created reference model, avoiding time-consuming complex processing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
Enables easy estimation of ink viscosity without complex processing, ensuring accurate discharging performance and reducing ink consumption and estimation time.
Implementation Method 1
the ink inside pressure generating chambers is pressurized by piezoelectric elements so that the ink droplets are discharged from the nozzles
Implementation Method 2
the viscosity of the ink is calculated based on information corresponding to residual pressure waves generated inside the pressure generating chambers after the ink droplets have been discharged
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid droplet discharging apparatus includes: a discharging head having: a liquid channel including a nozzle; and an energy applying part which applies, to liquid inside the liquid channel, discharge energy for discharging a liquid droplet from the nozzle; a signal outputting circuit which outputs signals depending on whether the nozzle satisfies a predetermined discharging performance; and a controller. The controller determines whether the nozzle satisfies the predetermined discharging performance, and estimates viscosity of the liquid inside the discharging head based on: viscosity estimation data in which discharge energy information and viscosity information are associated with each other, and a result of the determination performed in a case that the controller controls the energy applying part based on the discharge energy information and that the discharge energy is thereby applied to the liquid inside the liquid channel.