Ink-jet Recording Apparatus Viscosity Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ink-jet recording apparatuses face issues with ink viscosity changes affecting ink ejection amount and landing position accuracy due to settling particles in the ink tank, leading to deviations from the target position on the sheet.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a controller that estimates the viscosity of different inks, adjusts the drive voltage and application timing for each nozzle to maintain accurate ink landing, using a power supply circuit to apply specific voltage values and timing based on viscosity estimates to compensate for variations in ink viscosity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the drive voltage and timing are adjusted based on viscosity estimates for different inks, then the ink landing position accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink landing position accuracyVSAvoidcontrol process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically adjusts the drive voltage and application timing parameters based on estimated viscosity values for different inks. This allows the system to compensate for viscosity variations without requiring complex mechanical modifications, resolving the contradiction by using software-based parameter optimization rather than hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where viscosity is estimated based on storage time and temperature, and this information is used to adjust the drive voltage and timing. This closed-loop control approach improves landing position accuracy while keeping the control process manageable through algorithmic decision-making rather than complex hardware circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If the drive voltage is increased to compensate for higher viscosity, then the ink ejection amount is maintained constant, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink ejection amountVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the drive voltage based on real-time viscosity estimates rather than using a fixed high voltage. This allows the drive voltage to be optimized for each specific condition, consuming only the necessary energy to achieve the required ink ejection amount without excessive energy waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drive voltage parameter is changed adaptively based on viscosity conditions. When viscosity is high, the voltage is increased to maintain ejection amount; when viscosity is low, the voltage is reduced. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing energy consumption while maintaining constant ink ejection amount

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the viscosity of ink changes due to particle settling, then the ink ejection speed changes, but the landing position deviates from target position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink ejection speedVSAvoidlanding position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of viscosity based on storage time and temperature before the ejection process. This advance knowledge allows the controller to pre-adjust the drive voltage and timing parameters to compensate for expected viscosity changes, preventing landing position deviation before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a model of the viscosity behavior based on storage conditions and uses this model to predict and compensate for viscosity changes. By copying the expected viscosity profile and using it to adjust ejection parameters, the system maintains accurate landing positions despite viscosity variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 solution ensures precise ink landing by adjusting the ejection energy and timing for each ink type, reducing deviations from the target position and maintaining consistent ink ejection quality despite changes in viscosity.

Implementation Method 1

the change in the viscosity of the ink influences not only the ink ejection amount but also a speed of ejection of the ink from nozzles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity:

Data Source

PatentUS10857788B2Ink-jet recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a recording head including a first nozzle communicating with a first chamber storing a first ink and a second nozzle communicating with a second chamber storing a second ink whose viscosity change rate differs from the first ink; and a controller configured to determine a drive voltage to be a first voltage and determine voltage application timings for the respective first and second nozzles to be a first timing when estimated viscosity of the first ink is lower than a first viscosity and to determine the drive voltage to be a second voltage higher than the first voltage, determine the voltage application timing for the first nozzle to be the first timing, and determine the voltage application timing for the second nozzle to be a second timing different from the first timing when the estimated viscosity is equal to or higher than the first viscosity.