Inkjet Printer Pump Control With Dual Pressure Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers experience frequent and unnecessary activation of the liquid pump due to fluctuations in ink pressure, leading to repeated and short interval driving and stopping, which can disrupt the printing process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pressure sensor to measure ink pressure in the storage chamber and a controller that uses two distinct threshold values to control the liquid pump, ensuring it remains activated until the pressure exceeds a higher threshold before deactivation, and vice versa, thereby stabilizing ink pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the liquid pump is controlled to drive when ink pressure falls below a predetermined pressure and stop when ink pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure, then the ink pressure can be maintained within a certain range, but the liquid pump is repeatedly driven and stopped at short intervals causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from a single threshold to two distinct thresholds (first threshold for driving, second threshold for stopping). By setting the driving threshold lower than the stopping threshold, the system creates a hysteresis effect that prevents frequent switching of the pump, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining pressure stability and ensuring reliable pump operation.
2Device complexity
If a single threshold value is used for pump control, then the control logic is simple, but the pump activates frequently due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value. This parameter change creates a buffer zone between the two thresholds, which reduces the frequency of pump activation and deactivation. The increased parameter complexity is justified by the significant improvement in printing efficiency and reduction of interruptions.
3Loss of energy
If the liquid pump is stopped immediately when ink pressure exceeds the threshold, then energy consumption is reduced, but printing interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets the stopping threshold (second threshold) higher than the driving threshold (first threshold). This creates a hysteresis band where the pump remains running even when pressure exceeds the first threshold, as long as it hasn't reached the second threshold. This parameter adjustment reduces frequent start-stop cycles, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining printing continuity.
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
Stabilizes ink pressure, reducing frequent activation and deactivation of the liquid pump, ensuring consistent ink supply and minimizing interruptions during printing.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor to measure an ink pressure in the storage chamber
Implementation Method 2
a liquid pump provided along the ink channel to pump ink in a direction from the ink container toward the ink head when driven
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printer includes an ink container, a liquid pump, an ink head, an intermediate container including a storage chamber to temporarily store ink, and a pressure sensor to measure an ink pressure in the storage chamber. The inkjet printer has registered therein a first threshold value, and a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, for the ink pressure. The inkjet printer is configured to drive the liquid pump when the ink pressure falls below the first threshold value, and stop the liquid pump when the ink pressure exceeds the second threshold value.