Inkjet Pump Control via Standby Timer for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses, such as inkjet recording devices, fail to satisfy power saving control mode requirements due to the air pressurization pump not operating in a coordinated manner with the pressure detector during standby states, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that control the liquid ejection apparatus by performing a pressurization sequence with a gas pressurization pump, shifting to a power saving control mode after a predetermined time, and stopping the gas pressurization pump operation when pressure increases, ensuring efficient power management and reduced consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air pressurization pump is driven based on pressure detection during standby state, then sufficient ink supply is maintained, but power consumption increases and the pump operates unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing a standby timer that controls when the pressurization pump operates during standby state. The timer measures elapsed time from drive mode termination, and the pump is driven only at specific intervals (when timer exceeds predetermined threshold), rather than continuously or on every pressure detection. This periodic operation reduces unnecessary pump activations and power consumption while still maintaining sufficient ink supply through timed pressurization cycles.
2Reliability
If the air pressurization pump operates continuously to maintain pressure, then ink supply is ensured, but the pump life decreases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a standby timer to control pump operation intervals. Instead of continuous operation, the pump is activated only when the timer indicates a predetermined time has elapsed since drive mode ended. This intermittent operation pattern reduces wear on the pump mechanism, extending its service life while still ensuring adequate ink supply through strategically timed pressurization events during standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic mode transition control. The standby timer automatically monitors elapsed time and triggers the mode shift from drive control to power save control without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism ensures the pump operates only when necessary, reducing mechanical wear and improving durability while maintaining ink supply adequacy through automated timing-based decisions.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure detector and air pressurization pump operate independently, then pressure detection is accurate, but coordinated power management is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously independent pressure detector and air pressurization pump control into a unified system managed by the standby timer. The timer now coordinates both components by controlling when the pump operates based on elapsed time from drive mode termination. This integration maintains accurate pressure detection while achieving coordinated power management, as the pump and detector now work together under the timer's unified control rather than operating independently.
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 enables the liquid ejection apparatus to effectively transition to a power saving control mode, reducing power consumption and extending the life of the air pressurization pump by intermittently driving the pump only when necessary, thus improving overall energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
supplying liquid stored in a tank to a liquid ejection head by applying pressurized gas pressure to the tank
Data Source
AI summary
An air pressurization pump is driven to apply pressurized air pressure to a main tank storing ink. The pressurized air causes the ink to be supplied from the main tank to a recording head arranged on a carriage. A CPU of an inkjet recording apparatus selectively sets a drive control mode and a power saving control mode. The drive control mode operates the air pressurization pump, and the power saving control mode consumes less power than the drive control mode. If the drive control mode ends, the CPU shifts to the power saving control mode when a predetermined time elapses after the drive control mode ends and stops operating the gas pressurization pump.