Inkjet Pump Control for Viscosity-Dependent Purge Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with ink viscosity variations due to temperature changes, leading to irregular ejection states and potential damage to pump mechanisms during purge operations, as well as inadequate cleaning effects due to pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature detection unit and operation changing mechanism to adjust the pressurization pump's operation based on detected temperature, and additionally considering environmental humidity and historical indices to modify the ink feed flow rate during purge operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink is supplied at high pressure to ensure proper ejection, then ink ejection reliability is improved, but pump mechanism damage risk increases when ink viscosity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ink supply pressure variable rather than constant. The pressure is dynamically adjusted based on detected ink viscosity levels, allowing the system to maintain optimal ejection pressure while avoiding excessive pressure that could damage the pump mechanism when viscosity is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter based on ink viscosity conditions. By detecting viscosity and相应ly adjusting the supply pressure, the system adapts to varying ink properties, ensuring reliable ejection without causing pump damage under high viscosity conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ink viscosity is reduced by heating, then pump mechanism protection is improved, but ink ejection pressure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ink supply pressure in response to temperature changes and viscosity variations. When heating reduces viscosity and pressure, the system compensates by adjusting supply parameters to maintain adequate ejection pressure while protecting the pump mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters including temperature, pressure, and flow rate to balance pump protection and ejection effectiveness. By coordinating these parameter changes, the system achieves pump protection through viscosity management while maintaining sufficient ejection pressure.
3Reliability
If purge operation is performed continuously at high flow rate, then cleaning effect is improved, but energy consumption increases and pump damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic purge operations rather than continuous high-flow operation. By performing purges at appropriate intervals and adjusting flow rates based on actual nozzle condition and ink viscosity, the system achieves effective cleaning while reducing overall energy consumption and pump stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge operation uses dynamic flow rate adjustment based on real-time viscosity detection. The system varies the purge flow rate and duration according to actual conditions, achieving effective cleaning only when necessary and at the minimum required intensity, thereby reducing energy consumption and pump damage risk.
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 manages ink viscosity changes, preventing pump mechanism damage and ensuring proper cleaning by adjusting flow rates based on temperature and humidity conditions, thereby maintaining optimal ink ejection and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
ink viscosity may vary during the purge operation, causing the purge operation to damage the pump mechanism... The ink viscosity variations may occur as a result of temperature variations. For example, when ink is at low temperature, the ink viscosity becomes higher.
Implementation Method 2
The liquid feed unit is configured to feed the ink contained in the ink tank to the head unit through the liquid feed path... executing a main purge of feeding the ink to the head unit at a predetermined flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include a pump mechanism for feeding ink to a recording head, a time counting unit capable of measuring a stop time determined by calculating a duration of time for which the ink was stopped from being fed to the recording head, an ink temperature detection unit, a first liquid feed control unit and a second liquid feed control unit. The first liquid feed control unit may instruct the pump mechanism to execute a preliminary purge when the measured stop time is not shorter than a first time. The second liquid feed control unit may instruct the pump mechanism to execute a main purge. And the second liquid feed control unit may set a flow rate in the main purge based on both the measured stop time and the detected ink temperature.