Inkjet Recording Head Temperature Control via Adaptive Scan Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet recording apparatuses face issues with ink ejection failures due to excessive temperature rise at ejection ports when ink levels are low, leading to decreased throughput and inefficient recording processes.
Innovation Solution
An ink-jet recording apparatus with a recording head, scanning unit, and acquisition units that select between multiple recording modes based on cumulative ink ejection totals and unit area ejection amounts to manage power consumption and prevent excessive temperature rise by adjusting the number of scans and driven recording elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the number of scans is increased to prevent excessive temperature rise, then temperature control is improved, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of scans based on real-time temperature conditions and ink ejection amounts. The control unit determines whether to perform additional scans beyond the standard number by comparing cumulative ink ejection totals against thresholds, making the scanning process adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing flexible adjustment between temperature control and throughput maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning parameter (number of scans) based on temperature and ink ejection conditions. When temperature rise is detected or cumulative ink ejection exceeds thresholds, the system increases the number of scans; otherwise, it maintains the standard scan count. This parameter adjustment strategy prevents excessive temperature rise while avoiding unnecessary throughput reduction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the number of scans is increased to manage power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but recording efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts scanning operations based on cumulative ink ejection totals and temperature conditions. By comparing current ink ejection amounts against historical totals and thresholds, the control unit determines the optimal number of scans needed, avoiding both excessive scanning (which reduces efficiency) and insufficient scanning (which increases power consumption).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring cumulative ink ejection totals and using this information to adjust the number of scans. The control unit receives feedback on ink consumption patterns and temperature rise, then adjusts scanning operations accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures power consumption is managed efficiently without unnecessarily reducing recording efficiency.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If recording continues with low ink level, then recording operation is maintained, but temperature of ejection ports rises excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors cumulative ink ejection totals and uses this feedback to predict temperature rise. When the cumulative total approaches or exceeds predetermined thresholds, the control unit increases the number of scans to allow cooling periods, preventing excessive temperature rise while maintaining recording operation continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent takes preliminary action by monitoring cumulative ink ejection totals before temperature becomes excessive. By tracking ink consumption patterns and predicting temperature rise based on cumulative totals, the system proactively adjusts the number of scans to prevent temperature problems before they occur, rather than reacting after temperature has already risen excessively.
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
Prevents ink ejection failures and maintains throughput by dynamically adjusting recording modes to manage power consumption and temperature, ensuring reliable inkjet recording operations.
Implementation Method 1
driving a plurality of recording elements of a recording head for ejecting ink to supply thermal energy to the ink
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method of recording in which an ink ejection failure due to an excessive rise in the temperature of ejection ports is prevented while preventing a decrease in throughput. If ink can run out and the amount of ink ejected to one unit area is large, recording on the unit area is performed with an increased number of scans.