Inkjet Actuator Vibration Control for Ink Drying Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image quality while minimizing energy consumption during ink vibration to prevent ink drying and viscosity increase near discharge ports, especially when the cap is left closed for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual-energy approach, using an actuator to supply discharge energy and non-discharge energy to the ink, with varying frequencies in different periods to efficiently reduce ink viscosity and prevent drying, and a cap mechanism to manage ink flow, ensuring optimal ink flow and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the discharge port is capped for a long time to protect ink from drying, then ink drying is prevented, but ink viscosity near the discharge port is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a cap opening/closing cycle where the cap is opened intermittently to allow ink vibration that reduces viscosity, then closed to prevent drying. This periodic operation balances the conflicting needs of preventing ink drying while maintaining acceptable viscosity levels through controlled exposure periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by vibrating the ink menuiscus before printing operations to reduce viscosity in advance. This preliminary vibration ensures that when the cap is opened and printing begins, the ink is already in an optimal flow state, preventing viscosity-related printing issues before they occur.
2Speed
If the vibration frequency is high to quickly reduce ink viscosity, then ink viscosity is reduced faster, but energy consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action with variable frequency vibration where high-frequency vibration is applied intermittently during cap-open periods to quickly reduce viscosity, followed by low-frequency or no vibration during cap-closed periods to conserve energy. This variable periodic approach optimizes the balance between viscosity reduction speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the vibration frequency based on operational conditions. The vibration frequency is changed from high to low depending on whether the cap is open or closed, allowing the system to achieve fast viscosity reduction when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vibration frequency is low to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but ink viscosity may not be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with alternating high and low frequency vibration phases. During cap-open periods, high-frequency vibration is applied to ensure sufficient viscosity reduction, while during cap-closed periods, low-frequency or no vibration is used to conserve energy. This periodic alternation ensures viscosity requirements are met while minimizing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing high-frequency vibration during cap-open periods before printing begins, ensuring viscosity is reduced in advance to a sufficient level. This preliminary high-frequency action prevents the need for continuous high-frequency vibration, allowing energy consumption to be reduced during subsequent printing operations.
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 reduces ink viscosity without excessive energy consumption, maintaining image quality by strategically adjusting energy supply and cap positioning, thus preventing ink drying and ensuring consistent ink flow.
Implementation Method 1
Ink is agitated by very slightly vibrating a meniscus of the ink so as not to discharge the ink
Implementation Method 2
an actuator that is configured to supply discharge energy to the ink in the ink flow path to be discharged from the discharge port
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus may include a flow path unit including a discharge port, an actuator configured to supply discharge energy and non-discharge energy to the ink, a drive controller configured to cause the actuator to supply the discharge energy, and a cap moving unit configured to move a cap between the open position and the covering position. After the supply of the image data is started, the drive controller may cause the actuator to supply the non-discharge energy in both a first period and a second period. The first period begins at starting of the supply of the non-discharge energy. The second period begins at the end of the first period and ends when the supply of the discharge energy is started. A frequency of the supply of the non-discharge energy during the first period is greater than that of the non-discharge energy during the second period.