Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Viscosity Control via Micro Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses face inefficiencies in ejecting liquid with increased viscosity due to evaporation, requiring more frequent flushing operations, which increases ink consumption and degrades print quality.
Innovation Solution
A method for driving a liquid ejecting apparatus that includes a micro vibration signal and two types of flushing signals with varying pressure changes, where the thickening state of the liquid is determined to adjust the frequency and type of signals used, optimizing ejection efficiency and reducing ink consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If micro vibration operation is executed to improve local viscosity state, then liquid ejection is facilitated, but liquid is dispersed in large range requiring more frequent flushing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of driving signals based on detected liquid state. The control unit changes the driving signal to the vibration generation unit according to the liquid state detected by the detection unit, optimizing ejection efficiency while minimizing unnecessary flushing operations. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system responsive to actual liquid conditions rather than using fixed micro vibration protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection unit monitors liquid state (such as viscosity or ejection performance) and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the driving signal to the vibration generation unit based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes ejection while reducing excessive flushing operations. This feedback loop directly addresses the contradiction by adapting micro vibration application to actual liquid conditions.
2Productivity
If flushing operation is performed more frequently to eject liquid with increased viscosity, then ejection efficiency is maintained, but ink consumption increases and print quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by executing micro vibration operation selectively based on detected liquid state. When the detection unit identifies increased viscosity or thickening, the control unit activates the vibration generation unit to pre-condition the liquid for ejection. This preliminary vibration treatment reduces the need for frequent flushing operations, thereby decreasing ink consumption while maintaining ejection efficiency. The principle prevents the contradiction by addressing viscosity issues before they require corrective flushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (vibration frequency, amplitude, or duration) based on the detected liquid state. The control unit adjusts the driving signal parameters to the vibration generation unit according to liquid viscosity or thickening degree, optimizing ejection efficiency while minimizing ink waste through excessive flushing. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching vibration intensity to actual liquid conditions rather than using fixed high-frequency flushing.
3Productivity
If flushing operation is performed more frequently to eject liquid with increased viscosity, then ejection efficiency is maintained, but print quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using vibration generation to prepare liquid for ejection before flushing is needed. When the detection unit detects viscosity increase, the control unit activates vibration to uniformly distribute the liquid and prevent clogging, maintaining ejection efficiency without requiring aggressive flushing that would degrade print quality. This preliminary vibration treatment preserves print quality while sustaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the balance between micro vibration and flushing operations based on real-time liquid state detection. The control unit modulates the driving signal to the vibration generation unit according to liquid viscosity, maintaining optimal ejection efficiency while minimizing flushing frequency. This dynamic control prevents print quality degradation that would result from excessive flushing, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision.
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 method effectively manages viscosity by adjusting signal frequencies and types based on the thickening state, improving ejection efficiency and reducing ink consumption, thereby enhancing print quality and extending the life of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a driving element applying a pressure change to the liquid included in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
performing micro vibration on the liquid having the increased viscosity
Implementation Method 3
there arises a problem in viscosity of the liquid caused by evaporation of moisture included in the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for driving a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a thickening state of liquid in a nozzle determined by a thickening determination section. When the thickening state is a first state, a second flushing signal by which liquid is ejected from a nozzle is supplied a first number of times to the driving element without applying a micro vibration signal by which liquid is not ejected from a nozzle. When the thickening state is a second state in which viscosity of the liquid is higher than viscosity of the liquid in the first state, the second flushing signal that is different from a first flushing signal is supplied the first number of times after applying the micro vibration signal, and a first flushing signal by which liquid is ejected from a nozzle is supplied a second number of times to the driving element after applying the second flushing signals.