Inkjet Nozzle Micro-Vibration Control for Ink Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with increased viscosity of ink near nozzles due to evaporation, leading to potential diffusion into pressure chambers, especially when non-used nozzle groups are subjected to micro-vibration, which can affect printing quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a controller that manages driving pulses for ejecting units, including ejection and micro-vibration pulses, to differentiate between used and non-used nozzle groups during printing, suppressing micro-vibration in non-used groups and optimizing flushing operations to maintain ink state and reduce viscosity-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro-vibration is performed on all nozzle groups including non-use ejecting unit groups, then ink viscosity increase is reduced in used nozzles, but ink diffuses into pressure chambers in non-used nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different vibration control strategies to different nozzle groups based on their usage status. Used ejecting unit groups receive micro-vibration pulses to maintain ink flow, while non-use ejecting unit groups have their vibration suppressed. This local differentiation prevents ink diffusion in non-used nozzles while maintaining ejection reliability in used nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vibration state of different nozzle groups based on real-time printing requirements. The controller monitors which ejecting unit groups are currently in use and dynamically switches between micro-vibration and vibration suppression modes, optimizing performance for each group's operational state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If micro-vibration is continuously applied to prevent ink viscosity increase, then ink flow is maintained in used nozzles, but energy is wasted and ink may diffuse in non-used nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying micro-vibration to all nozzle groups, the system applies vibration only partially to the ejecting unit groups that are currently in use. This partial action approach maintains ink viscosity stability where needed while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and harmful effects in non-used nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the nozzle groups into used and non-use categories, applying different vibration control measures to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ink stability in active nozzles while conserving energy and preventing issues in inactive nozzles.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If flushing operations are performed frequently to clear diffused ink, then ink quality is maintained, but printing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary anti-action by suppressing vibration in non-use ejecting unit groups before ink diffusion can occur. This preventive measure eliminates the need for frequent flushing operations, thereby maintaining ink quality while preserving printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary identification of which ejecting unit groups will be used and pre-adjusts their vibration states accordingly. By preparing the system in advance with correct vibration settings, ink diffusion is prevented before it starts, eliminating the need for corrective flushing actions.
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 approach effectively reduces ink diffusion and maintains ink quality by selectively applying micro-vibration and adjusting flushing volumes and frequencies based on printing modes, enhancing printing efficiency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a driving element that causes a pressure fluctuation in the liquid in the pressure chamber by being supplied with a driving pulse
Implementation Method 2
a micro-vibration pulse for causing a gas-liquid interface in the nozzle to be vibrated when the liquid is not ejected from the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
increased viscosity of an ink attributable to evaporation of moisture from a nozzle opening
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a plurality of ejecting unit groups each including nozzles configured to eject liquid. The ejecting unit group configured to eject a liquid to be used in the printing is referred to as a to-be-used ejecting unit group. The ejecting unit group configured to eject a liquid not to be used in the printing is referred to as the non-use ejecting unit group. In a print mode with a non-use nozzle group in which any of the plurality of kinds of liquids is not used, the driving elements of the to-be-used ejecting unit group is supplied with the in-printing micro-vibration pulse in a period without ejection of the ink, and the driving elements of the non-use ejecting unit group is not supplied with the micro-vibration pulse even in the period without ejection of the ink.