Liquid Cartridge Viscosity Estimation via Detector Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with nozzle clogging and image quality deterioration due to changes in ink viscosity over time, which existing technologies fail to effectively address, especially when the ink viscosity is not accurately calculated for ink stored in the ink tank.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cartridge with a movable actuator and detector system that estimates ink viscosity by measuring the time taken for the detector to move between positions, allowing for direct estimation of viscosity changes and preventing clogging by controlling the ink outlet accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If ink is stored in an ink tank for extended periods, then the inkjet recording apparatus can maintain a ready state for quick operation, but the ink viscosity changes over time causing nozzle clogging and image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary viscosity estimation and preliminary discharge operations before actual image recording. By calculating ink viscosity based on storage time and amount, and executing preliminary discharge to clear potential clogs, the system prevents nozzle blockages before they affect image quality, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining ready state and preventing reliability issues.
2Reliability
If the inkjet recording apparatus performs frequent preliminary discharge to prevent clogging, then nozzle reliability improves, but ink consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge strategy based on viscosity parameters calculated from storage time and ink amount. Instead of frequent fixed preliminary discharge, the system performs discharge operations conditional on viscosity thresholds, thereby preventing clogging when necessary while minimizing unnecessary ink consumption and maintaining productivity.
3Measurement precision
If the system calculates ink viscosity based on amount remaining and time elapsed, then viscosity estimation accuracy improves, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical viscosity measurement devices with a computational approach. By using sensors to detect ink amount and combining this with time elapsed data through calculation, the system achieves accurate viscosity estimation without requiring sophisticated mechanical or laboratory equipment, thus improving measurement precision while controlling system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber with a liquid outlet configured to supply the liquid from an interior of the chamber to an exterior of the chamber. An actuator is movable between a first position in which the liquid outlet is closed, and a second position in which the liquid outlet is open. A detector is positioned in the chamber, and is movable from a restricted position to a released position in response to movement of the actuator from the first to the second position. The detector is movable from the released position to the restricted position in response to movement of the actuator from the second to the first position.