Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Resistor Section Decompression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in controlling sudden pressure decompression, which can lead to air bubble entrainment and ejection errors, due to the complexity of fine pressure adjustments in pressurization and decompression processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a resistor section in the decompression flow path to slow down decompression rates, reducing sudden pressure drops and simplifying the flow path structure and control, while using a pump for both pressurization and decompression, and an air release valve for atmospheric decompression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pump is driven in reverse rotation direction to decompress the supply flow path quickly, then the decompression speed is improved, but sudden pressure decrease causes air bubble entrainment and ejection errors
Solution Approach 1:
A resistor section is introduced as an intermediary element in the decompression flow path. This resistor section restricts the decompression speed by creating flow resistance, thereby mediating between the fast decompression action and the requirement to prevent sudden pressure drops that cause air bubble entrainment and ejection errors
2Measurement precision
If fine pressure adjustment control is implemented during decompression, then the pressure control precision is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complex fine pressure adjustment control systems, the patent uses a simple resistor section that passively restricts decompression speed. This disposable-like simple component replaces complex active control systems, reducing control complexity while maintaining sufficient pressure control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The resistor section automatically regulates decompression speed without requiring external control systems. The decompression process self-adjusts through the inherent flow resistance, eliminating the need for complex measurement and control mechanisms
3Reliability
If a separate decompression mechanism is added to control decompression speed, then the pressure control capability is improved, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistor section is merged into the existing decompression flow path structure, combining the decompression function with flow resistance in a single integrated path. This avoids adding a separate decompression mechanism while still providing controlled decompression capability
Solution Approach 2:
The resistor section serves multiple functions: it restricts decompression speed, prevents sudden pressure drops, and eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms. This multi-functional element improves pressure control capability without proportionally increasing apparatus complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle that ejects liquid; a supply flow path that supplies the liquid to the liquid ejecting head; a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes a region which communicates with the supply flow path; a decompression mechanism that decompresses the region pressurized by the pressurizing mechanism; and a resistor section that interferes with decompression by the decompression mechanism.