Ink-jet Print Head Suction Control for Startup Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet printing apparatuses require time to start a printing operation due to the need for initial suction with higher negative pressure, even when only large nozzles are used, which delays the printing process and inconveniences users.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that determines the printing operation mode and performs specific suction operations based on the mode, executing a first suction operation for all nozzles and a second suction operation only when 1-pl nozzles are used, optimizing the process by eliminating unnecessary suction steps and reducing waiting time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second suction operation with larger negative pressure is performed before every printing operation, then bubbles can be sufficiently removed from small nozzles, but the time to start printing increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction operation dynamically adapts its intensity based on the printing mode. When small nozzles are required for high-quality printing, a second suction operation with larger negative pressure is performed. When only large nozzles are used for coarse printing, only a first suction operation with smaller negative pressure is performed, reducing startup time while maintaining adequate bubble removal for the current printing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure parameter of the suction operation is changed according to the printing mode. The control unit adjusts the suction strength (negative pressure magnitude) based on whether small nozzles or large nozzles will be used, optimizing the balance between bubble removal effectiveness and startup time for each specific printing task.
2Reliability
If a second suction operation with larger negative pressure is performed before every printing operation, then ink can be sufficiently drawn into small nozzles, but ink waste increases due to unnecessary suction
Solution Approach 1:
The suction operation dynamically adapts its intensity based on the printing mode. When small nozzles are required for high-quality printing, a second suction operation with larger negative pressure is performed to ensure adequate ink filling. When only large nozzles are used for coarse printing, only a first suction operation with smaller negative pressure is performed, reducing ink waste while maintaining adequate ink supply for the current printing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure parameter of the suction operation is changed according to the printing mode. The control unit adjusts the suction strength (negative pressure magnitude) based on whether small nozzles or large nozzles will be used, optimizing the balance between ink filling completeness and ink conservation for each specific printing task.
3Reliability
If the suction unit always performs strong suction to ensure small nozzles are ready, then small nozzle performance is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to continuous strong suction requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The suction operation dynamically adapts its intensity based on the printing mode. When small nozzles are required for high-quality printing, a second suction operation with larger negative pressure is performed. When only large nozzles are used for coarse printing, only a first suction operation with smaller negative pressure is performed, reducing startup time while maintaining adequate bubble removal for the current printing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure parameter of the suction operation is changed according to the printing mode. The control unit adjusts the suction strength (negative pressure magnitude) based on whether small nozzles or large nozzles will be used, optimizing the balance between bubble removal effectiveness and startup time for each specific printing task.
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 solution allows for faster startup times and reduced ink waste by tailoring suction operations to the specific printing mode, improving throughput and user convenience by eliminating unnecessary suction steps.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit connected to the cap and configured to suck ink from the print head when the cap covers the discharge port face
Data Source
AI summary
An ink-jet printing apparatus includes a print head having a first discharge port and a second discharge port, a cap, a suction unit connected to the cap for sucking ink from the print head, and a determining unit which determines one to be performed by the print head between a first printing operation using the first and second discharge ports and a second printing operation using the first discharge port only, wherein before the first printing operation, the suction unit is controlled to perform first and second suction operations sucking at different strengths. A storing unit further provided therein stores history information indicating the past performance of that the first printing operation. Before the second printing operation, the suction unit is controlled to perform the first suction operation only and, based on the history information after the printing operation, perform the second suction operation.