Inkjet Temperature Control with Supply and Feedback Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in achieving precise temperature adjustment of ink to each head module, leading to inefficiencies in startup time and potential overheating or quality degradation due to temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a feedback-side and supply-side temperature sensor system with a control unit that adjusts heater operation based on temperature differences and external heat dissipation, ensuring precise temperature control through phases of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is placed in the pipe before the distributor, then the structure is simple, but the temperature control precision at each head module deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into multiple segments by placing temperature sensors at different locations: one sensor in the common pipe before the distributor and additional sensors in individual pipes at each head module. This segmentation allows both overall temperature monitoring and localized precise measurement, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the ink temperature is adjusted too exactly at startup, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by adjusting the heating power based on real-time temperature feedback from multiple sensors. The control unit varies the heating intensity according to the actual temperature conditions at different locations and times, allowing rapid startup when temperature differences are large while maintaining precise control when temperatures approach the target range, thus reducing overall startup time while ensuring precision.
3Productivity
If the heater operates at high power to reduce startup time, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring ink temperature at multiple locations with temperature sensors and adjusting the heater power accordingly. The control unit receives temperature data from sensors in the common pipe and individual head module pipes, then modulates heating power to maintain temperatures within the optimal range, enabling rapid startup while preventing overheating through real-time feedback adjustment.
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 reduces startup time and stabilizes ink temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent printing quality by accurately adjusting ink temperature across all head modules.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is interposed in the feedback pipe and is configured to heat ink flowing from the collecting tank to the supply tank
Implementation Method 2
The feedback-side temperature sensor is interposed between the heater and the supply tank in the feedback pipe and is configured to detect a temperature of ink in the feedback pipe
Implementation Method 3
The supply-side temperature sensor is interposed in the supply-side manifold and is configured to detect a temperature of ink in the supply-side manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit determines whether a first difference value obtained by subtraction of a result of detection of a temperature of ink in a supply-side manifold from a first target temperature of ink in the supply-side manifold applies to a first phase in which the first difference value is equal to or larger than a first reference value, or a third phase in which the first difference value is smaller than a second reference value smaller than the first reference value. Then, when it is determined that the first difference value applies to the first phase, the control unit controls driving of a second heater in accordance with a value obtained by multiplication of a second difference value obtained by subtraction of a result of detection of a temperature of ink in a feedback pipe from a second target temperature of ink in the feedback pipe, by a first coefficient.