Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Pump Pressure Cycle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, the transition from a depressurized state to a pressurized state in the gas flow path is slow, leading to a decreased response to pressure changes, which affects the efficiency and lifespan of the pump.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a sequence of depressurizing and pressurizing cycles that vary in pressure and duration to manage the average pressure of the vacuum degassing chamber, allowing for faster pressure changes and reduced power consumption, thereby improving the response time and extending the pump's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gas flow path is depressurized to a low pressure state, then air bubbles can be effectively removed from the liquid, but the time required to transfer from depressurized state to pressurized state increases, decreasing the response speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the depressurization depth adjustable rather than fixed. The controller can dynamically select different depressurization sequences based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt between deep depressurization (for better bubble removal) and shallow depressurization (for faster response), thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter dynamically by providing multiple depressurization sequences with different average pressure levels. By selecting appropriate sequences, the system can adjust the degree of depressurization to balance between effective air bubble removal and maintaining fast response capability for subsequent pressurization.
2Speed
If the pump operates continuously at high power to maintain fast pressure response, then the response speed improves, but the lifespan of the pump decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent pump operation with variable depressurization sequences. Instead of continuous high-power operation, the pump operates periodically at optimized power levels, allowing rest periods that extend lifespan while maintaining adequate pressure response through strategic sequencing of depressurization and pressurization cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by selecting depressurization sequences that provide sufficient (but not excessive) pressure reduction for the current operational needs. This avoids unnecessary high-power pump operation that would reduce lifespan, while still achieving the required air bubble removal and pressure response performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple depressurization sequences with different average pressures are used, then the system can optimize between bubble removal and response time, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the depressurization process into multiple discrete sequences with different average pressure levels. Each sequence is a predefined, manageable segment that can be independently selected and executed, making the complex control task more systematic and easier to implement through modular sequence selection rather than continuous complex adjustment.
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 enhances the response to pressure changes during the transition from depressurized to pressurized states, improving the efficiency of air bubble removal and extending the pump's lifespan by optimizing the pressure management within the liquid ejecting system.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum degassing chamber for removing air bubbles from liquid by depressurizing a part of the liquid flow path
Implementation Method 2
when pressurizing the gas flow path using a pump, the pressurizing chamber is pressurized, and the diaphragm can be driven
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid flow path which communicates with a nozzle which ejects liquid; a vacuum degassing chamber for removing air bubbles from liquid by depressurizing a part of the liquid flow path; a gas flow path which communicates with the vacuum degassing chamber; a pressurizing chamber which communicates with the gas flow path; and a pump which communicates with the vacuum degassing chamber and the pressurizing chamber through the gas flow path, in which the pump is driven by a sequence selected from a plurality of sequences, and the plurality of sequences include a plurality of depressurizing sequences in which the vacuum degassing chamber is depressurized so that an average pressure of the vacuum degassing chamber becomes different, and a pressurizing sequence in which the pressurizing chamber is pressurized.