Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Dynamic Flash Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid ejecting apparatuses face reduced printing throughput due to incomplete non-ejecting flashing operations when the carriage stops prematurely, as the non-ejecting flashing operation is typically started at a fixed timing while the carriage is decreasing speed, leading to incomplete ink agitation before the next printing operation can begin.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus that selects between a first and second timing for starting the non-ejecting flashing operation based on status information, allowing the operation to be initiated at a suitable moment when the carriage is stopped, ensuring the operation is completed before the next printing phase, thereby preventing throughput reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the non-ejecting flashing operation is started at a fixed timing when the carriage is decreased in speed, then the ink agitation can be performed during carriage movement, but the operation may not be completed before the carriage stops causing throughput reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the timing of the non-ejecting flashing operation flexible rather than fixed. The controller dynamically selects between a first timing (when carriage speed starts decreasing) and a second timing (when carriage has stopped) based on the relationship between the carriage movement time and the required flashing operation time. This dynamic adjustment ensures the flashing operation completes reliably without compromising throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of the non-ejecting flashing operation based on detected conditions. When the carriage movement time is insufficient for complete ink agitation, the system changes the start timing from the first timing to the second timing, ensuring the operation completes before the next printing operation begins.
2Reliability
If the non-ejecting flashing operation is delayed to ensure completion, then reliability of operation completion is improved, but the printing throughput may be reduced due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the non-ejecting flashing operation at the first timing (when carriage speed starts decreasing) whenever possible, allowing the ink agitation to begin early during the carriage movement. This ensures the operation is well underway before the carriage stops, eliminating the need for waiting time and maintaining high throughput while ensuring reliable completion.
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 ensures the non-ejecting flashing operation is completed when the carriage stops, allowing for immediate initiation of the next printing operation, thus preventing throughput reduction and enhancing printing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to apply pressure on liquid stored in the pressure chamber such that the liquid is ejected from the plurality of nozzles
Implementation Method 2
the actuator applying pressure on the liquid in the pressure chamber in the non-ejecting flashing operation so as to vibrate, without ejecting, the liquid in the plurality of nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejection head including a plurality of nozzles communicating with a pressure chamber and an actuator configured to apply pressure on liquid stored in the pressure chamber, a carriage, a storage storing information relating to a first timing when a non-ejecting flashing operation is started, and a controller. The actuator applies pressure on the liquid in the pressure chamber in the non-ejecting flashing operation so as to vibrate, without ejecting, the liquid in the plurality of nozzles of the ejection head, while the carriage is decreased in speed so as to be stopped. The controller is configured to select, based on status information, one of the first timing and a second timing, and start the non-ejecting-flashing operation at the selected timing while the carriage is decreased in speed so as to be stopped.