Liquid Circulating Device Filter Clogging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting devices face challenges in detecting filter clogging without increasing device size or cost, as current methods rely on flow rate sensors and pressure sensors, which are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A liquid circulating device with a first and second pump, a filter in the flow path, a buffer tank, and a pressure sensor that uses the drive voltage of the second pump to detect clogging based on adjusted nozzle surface pressure, allowing for filter clogging determination without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flow rate sensors or pressure sensors are used to detect filter clogging, then clogging detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the second pump's own drive voltage as a sensing signal to detect filter clogging. The pump's motor acts as both actuator and sensor, eliminating the need for separate detection devices. The control unit monitors the drive voltage during circulation operation, and when voltage exceeds a threshold, it indicates clogging has occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The second pump serves dual functions: it circulates liquid through the system and simultaneously provides clogging detection capability. The drive voltage monitoring mechanism allows the same component to perform both pumping and sensing functions, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If flow rate sensors or pressure sensors are used to detect filter clogging, then clogging detection capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the second pump's own drive voltage as a sensing signal to detect filter clogging. The pump's motor acts as both actuator and sensor, eliminating the need for separate detection devices. The control unit monitors the drive voltage during circulation operation, and when voltage exceeds a threshold, it indicates clogging has occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses existing, inexpensive components (the pump motor and control unit) for clogging detection rather than adding expensive specialized sensors. The drive voltage monitoring approach leverages already-present electronics to provide detection functionality at minimal additional cost.
3Reliability
If flow rate sensors or pressure sensors are used to detect filter clogging, then clogging detection capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the second pump's own drive voltage as a sensing signal to detect filter clogging. The pump's motor acts as both actuator and sensor, eliminating the need for separate detection devices. The control unit monitors the drive voltage during circulation operation, and when voltage exceeds a threshold, it indicates clogging has occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the clogging detection function with the existing pump and control unit. The drive voltage monitoring is integrated into the existing control electronics, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall device size.
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
Enables effective detection of filter clogging without increasing device complexity or size, ensuring efficient operation of the liquid ejecting device by adjusting pump outputs to determine filter status.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to detect an internal pressure of the buffer tank
Implementation Method 2
a first pump configured to supply a liquid of the liquid replenishment tank to the liquid ejecting head
Implementation Method 3
a second pump configured to collect the liquid from the liquid ejecting head and to supply the liquid to the liquid replenishment tank
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a liquid circulating device (30) includes a first pump (33), a second pump (36), a filter (52), a buffer tank (35), a pressure sensor (39), and a control unit. The first pump (33) is configured to supply a liquid of a liquid replenishment tank (51) to a liquid ejecting head (20). The second pump (36) is configured to collect the liquid from the liquid ejecting head (20) and to supply the liquid to the liquid replenishment tank (51). The filter (52) is provided in a flow path between the liquid replenishment tank (51) and the liquid ejecting head (20). The buffer tank (35) is connected to a flow path between the filter (52) and the liquid ejecting head (20) and a flow path between the liquid ejecting head (20) and the second pump (36), and the liquid ejected from the first pump (33) flows into the buffer tank (35). The pressure sensor (39) is configured to detect an internal pressure of the buffer tank (35). The control unit is configured to determine clogging of the filter (52) based on a drive voltage of the second pump (36) during adjustment circulation where a nozzle surface pressure of the liquid ejecting head (20) is adjusted based on the pressure of the buffer tank (35).