Inkjet Recording Device With Bubble-Amount Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of bubbles in inkjet recording devices due to dissolved air in the ink, which can lead to ejection failure, is influenced by temperature changes, necessitating effective countermeasures to maintain ejection performance.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus with a bubble countermeasure system that includes a bubble generation amount calculation means, a control device, and means for executing appropriate bubble countermeasures based on calculated bubble generation, utilizing a circulation degassing system to manage ink circulation and pressure to minimize bubble formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bubble countermeasure treatment is continuously applied, then ejection performance is maintained, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters (circulation pump operation, heater operation, pressure reduction valve operation) based on calculated bubble generation amounts. When bubble generation is low, these parameters are adjusted or stopped, reducing system complexity and operational cost while maintaining ejection performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble countermeasure treatment is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors temperature changes, calculates bubble generation amounts, and adjusts the countermeasure intensity accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliability only when necessary, reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If temperature control is increased to prevent bubble generation, then ejection performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous temperature control, the system uses periodic action based on calculated bubble generation amounts. The heater and circulation pump are operated only when temperature changes indicate potential bubble generation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining ejection performance when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature changes, calculating bubble generation amounts, and adjusting heater operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures energy is consumed only when necessary to prevent bubbles, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If degassing operation is performed frequently, then bubble generation is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by performing degassing operations only to the extent necessary based on calculated bubble generation amounts. Instead of frequent full degassing operations that reduce productivity, the system applies just enough countermeasure treatment to maintain ejection performance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
4Reliability
If circulation pump operation is increased to reduce bubbles, then ejection performance is maintained, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operation is made dynamic based on real-time bubble generation calculations. The pump operates at variable speeds or is stopped entirely when bubble generation is low, reducing energy consumption while maintaining ejection performance when bubble generation is high. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
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
The system effectively manages bubble generation by adjusting operations based on calculated bubble amounts, ensuring reliable ink ejection performance and reducing the need for costly components and operations.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation flow path 47 that circulates the liquid in the liquid tank; a circulation pump 67 that circulates the liquid in the liquid tank through the circulation flow path
Implementation Method 2
when the liquid tank is in a reduced pressure state, bubbles are generated from the liquid due to the dissolved air coming out of the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus (1) includes a recording head (21) which ejects a liquid; a bubble countermeasure means for executing a bubble countermeasure treatment determined as a countermeasure against bubbles generated in the liquid; a bubble generation amount calculation means for calculating an amount of bubbles generated from the liquid; and a control device (38) which relaxes the bubble countermeasure treatment when the amount of bubble generation calculated by the bubble generation amount calculation means is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.