Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Mode Controller Pressure Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, experience unintended pressure changes when switching between modes, leading to ink dripping from nozzles due to unbalanced pressure operations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a pressurizing mechanism and a depressurizing mechanism that gradually change pressures to transition between operational modes, maintaining a stable pressure environment to prevent ink dripping, utilizing a mode controller to manage these changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pressure levels are switched between modes in the liquid ejecting apparatus, then operational flexibility is improved, but unintended pressure changes occur causing ink to drip from nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by gradually changing pressure levels during mode transitions rather than switching abruptly. The control unit adjusts the pressure in the liquid supply path incrementally, allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes while maintaining pressure stability and preventing ink dripping from nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter gradually during mode transitions. By controlling the rate of pressure change and using intermediate pressure levels, the system can switch between different operational modes (such as recording mode and head cleaning mode) without causing sudden pressure fluctuations that would lead to ink dripping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure switching is performed between modes, then mode transition capability is improved, but ink dripping occurs due to unbalanced pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively adjusting the pressure in the liquid supply path before completing the mode transition. The control unit detects the upcoming mode change and gradually modifies the pressure levels in advance, preventing the pressure imbalance that would otherwise cause ink to drip from the nozzles during or after the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure control mechanism that mediates between different operational modes. During mode transitions, this intermediary control gradually adjusts the pressure levels, acting as a buffer that prevents sudden pressure changes and the resulting ink dripping while still enabling effective mode switching.
3Speed
If abrupt pressure switching is used for mode changes, then response time is improved, but pressure instability causes operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment that adapts to the transition phase. During mode transitions, the system uses gradual pressure changes to maintain stability, while during steady-state operation, the system can respond more quickly to control commands. This dynamic approach balances response time requirements with pressure stability needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pressure adjustment cycles during mode transitions, using controlled intermediate steps rather than single abrupt changes. This periodic action allows the system to achieve mode transitions efficiently while maintaining pressure stability at each transition stage, preventing ink dripping and operational issues.
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
The gradual pressure control effectively reduces the likelihood of ink dripping by maintaining a stable pressure environment, ensuring consistent operation across mode transitions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing mechanism that performs a pressurization operation for supplying the liquid to the first common flow path
Implementation Method 2
a depressurizing mechanism that performs a depressurization operation for discharging the liquid from the second common flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a mode controller that controls execution of a first mode in which an operation of the liquid ejecting head is controlled under pressurization at first pressure by the pressurizing mechanism and depressurization at second pressure by the depressurizing mechanism and execution of a second mode in which the operation of the liquid ejecting head is controlled under pressurization at third pressure by the pressurizing mechanism and depressurization at fourth pressure by the depressurizing mechanism. To switch from the execution of the first mode to the execution of the second mode, the mode controller gradually changes, from the first pressure to the third pressure, pressure at which the pressurization operation is performed by the pressurizing mechanism, and gradually changes, from the second pressure to the fourth pressure, pressure at which the depressurization operation is performed by the depressurizing mechanism.