Ink-jet head lifetime determination using phase transition ink concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the lifetime of ink-jet heads, particularly when using phase transition inks, as changes in ink concentration can lead to premature determination of head deterioration, resulting in unnecessary replacements and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus forms a pattern image using phase transition ink and adjusts the driving condition based on reading results, estimating state changes in the ink to determine whether the ink-jet head's lifetime is over, considering both the use history and concentration changes of the gel component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the driving condition for the head is adjusted based on the change of the concentration of the gel component of the gel ink, then the quality of the formed image is maintained, but the lifetime of the head is determined to be over prematurely, resulting in unnecessary replacement and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new parameter for lifetime determination: the driving voltage at the time of initial ejection. By combining this initial parameter with subsequent driving condition adjustments, the system can distinguish between temporary concentration changes and actual head deterioration, preventing premature replacement while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the driving conditions and comparing them against the initial ejection characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect whether concentration changes are temporary or indicate permanent head deterioration, thereby accurately determining when replacement is actually needed
2Manufacturing precision
If the driving condition for the head is adjusted to maintain appropriate ink ejection amount, then the quality of the formed image is maintained, but the lifetime of the head cannot be accurately determined when gel ink concentration changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the driving voltage at the time of initial ejection before any concentration changes occur. This baseline measurement allows subsequent concentration changes to be detected and differentiated from actual head deterioration, enabling accurate lifetime determination while maintaining proper ink ejection
Solution Approach 2:
The initial driving voltage serves as an intermediary reference value that mediates between the current driving conditions and the actual head state. By comparing current performance against this intermediary baseline, the system can accurately determine whether lifetime has expired without being misled by temporary concentration variations
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 method allows for accurate determination of the ink-jet head's lifetime, reducing unnecessary replacements and associated costs by differentiating between head deterioration and concentration-induced changes.
Implementation Method 1
the head includes a piezoelectric element for ejecting ink
Implementation Method 2
gel inks (phase transition inks) containing a gel component that undergoes a reversible sol-gel phase transition upon temperature change
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an ink-jet head including a storage that stores phase transition ink, the ink-jet head forms an image on a recording medium by ejecting the phase transition ink; and one or more hardware processors. The one or more hardware processors change a driving condition of the ink-jet head for a case of ejecting the phase transition ink on a basis of a first reading result of a pattern image formed by the ink-jet head; estimate occurrence of a state change of the phase transition ink in the storage when the driving condition that is changed satisfies a predetermined condition; and determine whether a lifetime of the ink-jet head is over in accordance with whether the occurrence of the state change is estimated.