Inkjet Recording Apparatus Ink Channel Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses struggle to accurately detect abnormalities in ink channels, such as clogging or leakage, due to variations in normal pressure values, leading to detection of serious abnormalities only after they occur.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a pressure sensor to detect liquid pressure in the ink channel or ink tank, and a liquid feeder that applies pressure to the ink at a different flow rate than normal printing, allowing for accurate abnormality detection by comparing the detected pressure with normal pressure values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensor is used to detect ink pressure in normal printing state, then abnormality detection is performed, but detection accuracy is low due to pressure value variation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting ink pressure at a different flow rate (non-printing state) before normal printing occurs. This allows establishing a baseline pressure value that reflects the actual channel condition without the interference of printing variations, enabling more accurate abnormality detection when comparing against this preliminary measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow rate parameter of ink flow from the normal printing flow rate to a different flow rate for detection purposes. By measuring pressure under different flow conditions, the system obtains a pressure value that is less affected by normal printing variations, thereby improving detection accuracy and reliability
2Device complexity
If pressure value is simply detected during normal printing, then detection process is simple, but abnormality detection accuracy deteriorates due to pressure variation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between normal printing operations and detection operations at different flow rates. During periodic detection intervals, the ink pressure is measured under non-printing conditions, and these periodic measurements are used to detect abnormalities while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter from normal printing mode to detection mode with different flow rate. This parameter change enables accurate abnormality detection without requiring complex additional hardware, as the same pressure sensor is used but under different operating conditions
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 enhances the accuracy of abnormality detection in ink channels, enabling early detection of issues before they become serious, thus facilitating easier maintenance and repair.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that detects a liquid pressure in the ink channel or the ink tank
Implementation Method 2
a liquid feeder that applies pressure to the ink in the ink channel or the ink tank to feed the ink at a different flow rate different from a flow rate for printing
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus, including: an ink channel that connects a recording head and an ink tank containing ink to be supplied to the recording head; a pressure sensor that detects a liquid pressure in the ink channel or the ink tank; and one or more hardware processors. The one or more hardware processors determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the ink channel based on a liquid pressure of the ink fed at the different flow rate.