Liquid Discharge Test Method Using External Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid discharge tests for ink-jet printers face issues such as residual ink left in the tank, tank contamination, and the risk of ink solidification blocking channels, making it difficult to clean the tank perfectly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for performing a liquid discharge test without pouring ink into the tank by using an external liquid supply source to discharge liquid through the recording head, allowing communication between external and internal channels, and then switching channel communications to test and clean the system without contaminating the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is poured into the liquid storage tank for testing, then the liquid discharge test can be performed, but the tank becomes contaminated and residual liquid remains causing potential blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid discharge system into separate test and storage pathways. The test channel connects the liquid discharge unit directly to the external liquid supply source, while the first channel from the liquid storage tank remains separate. This segmentation allows testing without contaminating the tank, resolving the contradiction between test reliability and tank contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second channel as an intermediary pathway that connects the liquid discharge unit directly to the external liquid supply source, bypassing the liquid storage tank. This intermediary channel enables the liquid discharge test to be performed without pouring liquid into the tank, thus preventing contamination while maintaining test reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tank is cleaned after testing, then residual liquid can be removed, but perfect cleaning is difficult and channels may still be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid discharge test from the tank system by providing a separate second channel that connects the liquid discharge unit directly to the external liquid supply source. This extraction eliminates the need to clean the tank after testing, as the test liquid never enters the tank, thereby removing the risk of channel blockage from residual liquid.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an external liquid supply source is used for testing, then the tank remains clean, but additional channel switching mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic channel switching through a switching valve that can change the flow path configuration. The switching valve dynamically connects or disconnects between the first channel (from liquid storage tank) and the second channel (from external liquid supply source), enabling flexible operation modes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the first channel is blocked during testing, then the tank is protected from contamination, but the normal liquid supply path is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically controllable switching valve to manage channel connectivity. During testing, the switching valve blocks the first channel while opening the second channel, allowing the liquid discharge unit to receive liquid from the external supply source. After testing, the valve reverses the configuration, restoring normal operation from the liquid storage tank. This dynamic control ensures both tank protection and operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid discharge test method using a liquid discharge apparatus provided with a liquid storage tank and a liquid discharge unit, the method including: blocking communication between a first channel in a first channel forming member and a second channel in a second channel forming member; allowing the second channel to communicate with a third channel in a third channel forming member; discharging the liquid, which is supplied from the exterior liquid supply source through the third channel and the second channel, by the liquid discharge unit after blocking the communication between the first channel and the second channel and allowing the second channel to communicate with the third channel; blocking the communication between the second channel and the third channel after discharging the liquid; and allowing the first channel to communicate with the second channel after discharging the liquid.