Inkjet Head Storage Liquid Switching to Reduce Ink Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharging devices face challenges in managing ink remaining in the system when placed in storage, leading to increased waste and inefficiencies in ink usage and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a controller that facilitates the return and replacement of liquid in the head, tank, and channels with storage liquid, allowing for efficient transition to storage mode based on user input, and includes specific liquid compositions for fast drying and redispersibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the capacity of the ink tank is increased and the size of the head is increased to improve printing speed and extend continuous printing period, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to more ink remaining in the head and channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the liquid by introducing a storage liquid with different properties (different from the first liquid) that has better stability characteristics for long-term storage, thereby reducing wastage while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the first liquid (original ink) from the head and channel back to the first liquid cartridge through the first channel using the discharge mechanism, separating it from the storage liquid system to minimize overall wastage
2Productivity
If the capacity of the ink tank is increased and the size of the head is increased to improve printing speed and extend continuous printing period, then the productivity is improved, but the quantity of substance increases requiring large amount of maintenance liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the liquid composition by replacing the first liquid with a storage liquid that has different chemical properties (different composition, viscosity, or other parameters) better suited for long-term storage, thereby reducing the quantity of maintenance liquid needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable storage liquid cartridge that can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for large quantities of maintenance liquid and complex cleaning systems
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the liquid discharging device is placed in storage state with first liquid in the head, then the device is ready for long-term storage, but the liquid solidifies and clogs the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the liquid in the head by replacing the first liquid with a storage liquid that has different properties (lower viscosity, different composition) preventing solidification and clogging during long-term storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by supplying storage liquid to the head before storage, displacing the first liquid from the nozzle area to prevent solidification and ensure reliable operation after storage
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid discharging device includes: a cartridge mounting part; a tank connected to the cartridge mounting part; a head that ejects a liquid; a discharge mechanism for discharging the liquid from the head; and a controller. The liquid is at least a storage liquid, a first liquid which is different from the storage liquid, or a mixture thereof. In a storage mode, the controller executes: a return process of returning the first liquid from the tank to a first liquid cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting part; a first discharging process of driving the discharge mechanism to discharge the first liquid from the head; a storage liquid supplying process for supplying a storage liquid from a storage liquid cartridge to the tank; and a second discharging process of driving the discharge mechanism to discharge the storage liquid from the head, after executing the storage liquid supplying process.