Liquid Discharge Valve Pressure Control Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid discharge devices, adjusting the supply pressure of ink to the discharge unit is challenging due to variations in pressure loss caused by valve operation, leading to inaccurate and difficult fine adjustments of the supply pressure.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control method that uses an external force to adjust and hold the degree of opening of valve bodies in the supply channel, independent of upstream pressure variations, allowing for precise control of the supply pressure by operating valve bodies based on downstream pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pressure is adjusted on the upstream side of the supply channel, then the liquid can be supplied to the supply channel, but the pressure adjustment is easily influenced by variation in pressure loss due to valve body operation, making fine adjustment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure adjustment accuracyVSAvoidpressure control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional pressure adjustment approach by moving the pressure adjustment mechanism from the upstream side to the downstream side of the valve body. This allows the pressure to be adjusted after the valve operation, eliminating the influence of valve-induced pressure loss variations on the adjustment accuracy. The downstream pressure adjustment directly controls the supply pressure to the liquid discharge unit without being affected by upstream valve dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a valve body operable in accordance with downstream pressure is provided in the supply channel, then the valve can respond to pressure changes, but pressure adjustment is influenced by variation in pressure loss due to valve operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve response capabilityVSAvoidsupply pressure adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pressure control function into two independent parts: valve operation control and pressure adjustment control. The valve body handles flow control based on downstream pressure, while a separate pressure adjustment mechanism handles precise supply pressure control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without interfering with the other, eliminating the coupling between valve operation and pressure adjustment that causes accuracy problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If pressure is applied to the liquid to supply it to the supply channel, then liquid supply is achieved, but fine adjustment of supply pressure to the liquid discharge unit becomes difficult due to valve body operation variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply efficiencyVSAvoidsupply pressure control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a downstream pressure adjustment mechanism as an intermediary between the valve body and the liquid discharge unit. This intermediary component decouples the rough flow control function of the valve from the precise pressure control requirement of the discharge unit, allowing both functions to operate effectively without compromising either productivity or precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables accurate and fine adjustment of the ink supply pressure, reducing the influence of pressure loss variations and improving the precision of pressure control, thereby enhancing the reliability of the liquid discharge process.

Implementation Method 1

a pump that applies pressure to the liquid so as to supply the liquid to the supply channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure application: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a valve body that opens/closes the supply channel in accordance with pressure on a downstream side of the valve body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven valve operation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

an external force operates the valve body so as to arbitrarily adjust and hold a degree of opening of the valve body in a range between a closed state and a full-open state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExternal force actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10625513B2Liquid discharge device and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

In a method of controlling a liquid discharge device, the liquid discharge device includes a liquid discharge unit and at least one valve body. The liquid discharge unit discharges from a nozzle liquid supplied from at least one supply channel. The at least one valve body opens/closes the at least one supply channel. The method includes first control and second control. The first control causes a pressure to be applied to the liquid so as to supply the liquid to the at least one supply channel. The second control causes an external force to operate the at least one valve body operable in accordance with a pressure on a downstream side of the at least one valve body so as to adjust and hold a degree of opening of the at least one valve body in a range between a closed state and a full-open state.