Liquid Discharge Apparatus Circulation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in efficiently pressurizing the second storage section to achieve liquid flow from the second storage section to the liquid ejecting head, leading to longer times required for pressure rise and potential leaks during circulation.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge apparatus with a control section that manages a circulation route including a liquid ejecting head, first and second storage sections, supply and collection channels, valves, and a pressurization section, where the communication path and supply channel are controlled to achieve discharge and non-discharge circulation by setting specific pressures and opening the supply channel to facilitate quick liquid circulation and prevent leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the inside of the second storage section is pressurized by the pressurization section in a state where the valve is open, then the liquid can flow from the second storage section to the liquid ejecting head, but it takes a longer time required for the pressure in the second storage section to rise to the pressure required to make the liquid flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure rise speedVSAvoidtime for pressure rise

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is closed before pressurizing the second storage section, preparing the system in advance to contain the pressurized liquid and prevent premature flow, enabling faster pressure buildup when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation system is divided into separate controllable segments with individual valves that can isolate different portions of the system, allowing independent pressurization and flow control to optimize both speed and time efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of processing for circulating the liquid are performed, then the liquid circulation can be controlled flexibly, but it complicates the circulation route and increases component count

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecirculation control flexibilityVSAvoidcirculation route complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single circulation route is designed to perform multiple functions including discharge circulation, non-discharge circulation, and pressure equalization by strategically placing valves that can create different flow paths and pressure zones within the same system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple circulation functions are merged into one integrated circulation route rather than using separate dedicated routes for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational versatility through valve control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration allows for efficient liquid circulation in both discharge and non-discharge modes, reduces pressure drop, and maintains necessary pressures for liquid ejection, while minimizing component count and complications in the circulation route.

Implementation Method 1

pressurizing the inside of the second storage section to a first pressure higher than a Meniscus breaking pressure of the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

first pressure higher than a Meniscus breaking pressure of the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMeniscus breaking: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 3

pressurizing the inside of the second storage section to a second pressure lower than the first pressure but higher than the Meniscus breaking pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12194754B2Liquid discharge apparatus and control method of liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid discharge apparatus including: a first storage section that stores a liquid; a second storage section that communicates with the first storage section; a supply channel that supplies the liquid from the second storage section to a liquid ejecting head; a collection channel that collects the liquid from the liquid ejecting head to the first storage section; the pressurization section that pressurizes the inside of the second storage section; and a control section, in which the first storage section, the supply channel, the liquid ejecting head, the collection channel, the second storage section, and the communication path form a circulation route, and the control section is configured to execute discharge circulation in which circulation of the liquid is performed while discharging the liquid from the nozzle, and non-discharge circulation in which circulation of the liquid is performed without discharging the liquid from the nozzle.