Inkjet Nozzle Vibration Analysis for Abnormal Discharge Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for testing discharge components in liquid discharge devices, such as inkjet printers, are inadequate for determining abnormal discharge states characterized by changes in ink droplet position or adhesion shape, even when ink is discharged, as they rely primarily on residual vibration analysis without considering variations in vibration period and amplitude.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge device equipped with a detector to measure vibration period and amplitude changes, allowing for the identification of abnormal discharge states by comparing these changes against set thresholds, and incorporating a maintenance component for addressing nozzle clogging caused by air bubbles or increased viscosity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If residual vibration analysis is used to test discharge components, then nozzle clogging can be detected, but abnormal discharge states (changed droplet position or adhesion shape) cannot be accurately determined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of abnormal discharge stateVSAvoidreliability of discharge state determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters used for vibration analysis from simple residual vibration detection to comprehensive analysis including vibration period and amplitude. By monitoring changes in vibration period (ΔT) and amplitude (ΔA), the system can accurately distinguish abnormal discharge states such as changed droplet position or adhesion shape, thereby improving both measurement precision and determination reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where vibration signals are continuously monitored during discharge, and the vibration period and amplitude are compared against reference values. When deviations exceed predetermined thresholds, the system identifies abnormal discharge states and can trigger maintenance operations, creating a closed-loop feedback system that improves detection accuracy and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive vibration analysis (period and amplitude) is implemented, then abnormal discharge states can be accurately determined, but processing load and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of abnormal discharge stateVSAvoidcomplexity of testing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the drive element serve multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator for discharging ink and as the sensor for detecting vibration signals. By utilizing the drive element's inherent mechanical properties for dual purposes, the system achieves comprehensive vibration analysis without adding separate sensing components, thereby improving detection accuracy while minimizing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive element performs self-diagnosis by generating vibration signals during its normal operation that can be analyzed to detect abnormal discharge states. The system uses the drive element's own operational characteristics as the testing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate testing hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If vibration period and amplitude changes are analyzed, then determination errors are reduced, but measurement and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of discharge state determinationVSAvoidprocessing load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential features from the vibration signal for analysis: the vibration period and amplitude. By focusing on these two key parameters and comparing them against reference values with predetermined thresholds, the system achieves accurate determination of abnormal discharge states while minimizing processing load by ignoring less relevant signal characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 abnormal discharge states, reducing errors and processing load by analyzing vibration period and amplitude changes, and facilitating effective maintenance to prevent nozzle clogging and maintain print quality.

Implementation Method 1

a detector for detecting vibration produced by the drive of the drive element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9056455B2Liquid discharge device, testing method, and medium with recorded program

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided a technique with which an abnormal discharge state in a discharge component can be determined on the basis of residual vibration. A printer includes a discharge component that discharges ink, a detector that detects residual vibration in the discharge component, and a tester that tests the discharge component on the basis of the change in the period of the residual vibration.