Inkjet Nozzle Abnormality Detection and Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid discharging apparatuses face inefficiencies in detecting discharge abnormalities across multiple nozzles, leading to wasted liquid and prolonged examination times, especially when the liquid in the storage member is low, as current methods require examining all nozzles, even if only one is faulty.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid discharging apparatus with a first nozzle for larger droplets and a second nozzle for smaller droplets, along with a discharging abnormalities detection circuit and control circuit that allows continuous discharge from the second nozzle when the first nozzle fails, reducing the need to examine all nozzles and minimizing liquid waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discharge abnormalities examination is performed on all nozzles, then detection accuracy is improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nozzle group into a first nozzle group and a second nozzle group, where the first nozzle group includes a smaller number of nozzles. The discharge abnormalities detection prioritizes examining nozzles in the first nozzle group, allowing for faster detection while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of nozzles that need to be examined in detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by examining only a subset of nozzles (the first nozzle group with fewer nozzles) rather than all nozzles. The detection circuit is configured to prioritize examination of the first nozzle group, providing sufficient detection accuracy for critical nozzles while reducing overall examination time. This partial examination approach balances detection needs with time constraints.
2Reliability
If liquid storage member is exchanged early based on remaining amount threshold, then discharge abnormalities are prevented, but liquid waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring discharge abnormalities through the detection circuit and using this information to adjust the timing of storage member exchange. Instead of exchanging based solely on remaining amount thresholds, the system provides feedback on actual discharge performance. When discharge abnormalities are detected in the first nozzle group, the system can trigger exchange timing more precisely, preventing both early exchange waste and late exchange failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge abnormalities detection circuit enables the system to self-monitor its own performance and automatically determine optimal exchange timing based on actual discharge conditions. The control circuit uses detection results to autonomously decide when exchange is necessary, rather than relying on conservative predetermined thresholds. This self-service approach optimizes the balance between reliability and liquid waste reduction.
3Reliability
If margin is set for remaining liquid amount, then discharge abnormalities are prevented, but useful liquid becomes wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces predetermined margin-based thresholds with feedback-driven detection based on actual discharge abnormalities. The detection circuit provides real-time information on whether nozzles are discharging normally, allowing the control circuit to determine exchange timing based on actual performance rather than conservative estimates. This eliminates the waste of useful liquid that occurs when predetermined margins are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for determining exchange timing from a static remaining amount threshold to a dynamic assessment of discharge abnormality detection results. Instead of using a fixed margin parameter, the system uses the detection circuit's assessment of actual discharge performance. This parameter change allows for more precise timing that prevents both early exchange waste and late exchange failures.
Data Source
AI summary
When the discharging abnormalities detection circuit detects a state in which the ink droplet is not discharged from the first nozzle which discharges a relatively large ink droplet, a second recording mode is set, and in a recording process, the ink droplet discharges from a second nozzle without discharging the ink droplet from a first nozzle.