Inkjet Discharge State Detection Using Ink-Specific Vibration Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid discharging apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face challenges in accurately determining the discharge state of pigment and dye inks due to differences in residual vibration characteristics, leading to reduced image quality and increased likelihood of discharge abnormalities.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharging apparatus with separate discharge sections for pigment and dye inks, using distinct driving signals and detection waveforms to detect residual vibrations, and determining the discharge state based on specific conditions tailored to each ink type, including varying viscosities and amplification factors to improve detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single discharge section is used for both pigment ink and dye ink, then the device structure is simplified, but the discharge state determination accuracy deteriorates due to different residual vibration characteristics of different ink types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge section structureVSAvoiddischarge state determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the discharge sections into separate types: first discharge sections for pigment ink and second discharge sections for dye ink. Each type has its own driving signal and detection waveform, allowing accurate determination of discharge states specific to each ink type while maintaining a unified overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the same driving signal and detection waveform are used for both pigment ink and dye ink, then the control system is simplified, but the discharge state determination accuracy deteriorates due to different viscosity characteristics of different ink types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoiddischarge state determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different driving signals and detection waveforms to different discharge sections based on the ink type. First discharge sections use first driving signals and first detection waveforms optimized for pigment ink, while second discharge sections use second driving signals and second detection waveforms optimized for dye ink, achieving locally optimized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If discharge state determination is performed without considering ink type, then the determination process is simplified, but the accuracy deteriorates leading to increased discharge abnormalities and reduced image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination process simplicityVSAvoiddischarge state determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically selects the appropriate driving signal and detection waveform based on the ink type in each discharge section. The system adapts its control parameters according to whether the discharge section contains pigment ink or dye ink, ensuring optimal determination accuracy for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate determination of discharge states for both pigment and dye inks, reducing the occurrence of discharge abnormalities and enhancing image quality by considering the unique characteristics of each ink type.

Implementation Method 1

displacing a piezoelectric element provided in the discharge section due to driving the piezoelectric element using a driving signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

detecting residual vibrations that occur in a discharge section after displacing a piezoelectric element through driving thereof using a driving signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9610768B1Liquid discharging apparatus and discharge state determination method of liquid in liquid discharging apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid discharging apparatus includes a first discharge section that discharges a pigment ink, a second discharge section that discharges a dye ink, a detection section that detects residual vibrations that occur in the first discharge section and outputs a first detection signal, which shows a corresponding detection result, and detects residual vibrations that occur in the second discharge section and outputs a second detection signal, which shows a corresponding detection result, and a determination section that executes a first determination, which determines whether or not the first detection signal satisfies first conditions, which should be satisfied in a case in which a discharge state of the first discharge section is normal, and executes a second determination, which determines whether or not the second detection signal satisfies second conditions, which should be satisfied in a case in which a discharge state of the second discharge section is normal.