Inkjet Printing Control: Pre-Return Circulation for Fast Restart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing technologies face challenges in reducing the time required for an inkjet printing apparatus to reach a state where ink can be ejected without concentration unevenness after a halt, while also minimizing the operation time of the ink circulation system to prevent pump wear and maintain productivity.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet printing apparatus includes a control unit that determines a return time and executes pre-return maintenance, including ink circulation and agitation, to ensure the apparatus is ready for printing before the return time, thereby reducing waiting times and minimizing pump operation during halts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If ink circulation is continuously performed during halt period, then concentration unevenness is reduced, but pump wear increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements intermittent ink circulation during halt periods by dividing the halt period into multiple intervals and performing circulation only in specific intervals (first and second intervals) while stopping in others (third interval). This periodic action reduces pump operation time and wear while still maintaining ink uniformity through repeated circulation cycles.
2Duration of action of moving object
If ink circulation is started after main power ON, then pump operation time is reduced, but waiting time until printing can start increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary ink circulation during the halt period before the user requests printing. By executing circulation in advance during intervals when the apparatus is halted, the system prepares the ink for ejection beforehand, eliminating the need for long waiting times after power ON while still limiting total pump operation time.
3Duration of action of moving object
If ink circulation is performed intermittently during halt period, then pump wear is reduced, but ink may not be ready for ejection when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic circulation intervals strategically positioned within the halt period to both reduce pump wear and ensure ink readiness. The first interval performs circulation early in the halt period, the second interval performs additional circulation later, and these timed periodic actions guarantee ink is prepared by the time printing is requested.
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 reduces the time needed for the apparatus to resume printing after a halt while minimizing pump wear and downtime, enhancing productivity and maintaining ink quality.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation unit configured to circulate the ink by supplying the ink from a tank to the print head and returning the ink collected from the print head to the tank
Data Source
AI summary
An ink circulation type inkjet printing apparatus obtains a return time that is a time at which the inkjet printing apparatus returns from a first state that is a state in which a print operation is halted to a second state that is a state in which the print operation is executable, and a control unit executes pre-return maintenance including ink circulation by a circulation unit for causing the inkjet printing apparatus to return to the second state after transition of the inkjet printing apparatus to the first state, and completes the pre-return maintenance before the obtained return time.