Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Waveform Control for Viscosity Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in effectively reducing viscosity of non-standard liquids, leading to potential ejection errors due to unsuitable minute vibration pulses, as the waveform settings are typically based on standard liquids and may not accommodate variations in viscosity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus allows for the selection and adjustment of multiple candidate waveforms for minute vibration pulses, enabling users to set the waveform according to the characteristics of the specific ink used, with options to adjust amplitude and duration, ensuring suitable vibration intensity for precise ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the waveform of minute vibration pulses is set in advance based on standard liquid characteristics, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different liquid characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the minute vibration pulse waveform adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit allows users to select from multiple candidate waveforms (first through fifth waveforms) with different duty ratios, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to different liquid viscosity characteristics while maintaining operational simplicity through automated selection based on liquid type detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the duty ratio of minute vibration pulses across different candidate waveforms. By changing this key parameter (duty ratio) while keeping the basic pulse structure consistent, the system can effectively adjust vibration intensity to match different liquid characteristics without requiring complete waveform redesign, thus balancing adaptability with ease of operation
2Device complexity
If minute vibration pulses with fixed waveform are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of ejection deteriorates when non-standard liquid is used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control unit that can handle multiple candidate waveforms within a single device architecture. The control unit universally processes different waveform selections based on detected liquid characteristics, allowing one device to function optimally with various liquid types (standard and non-standard) without requiring separate hardware for each liquid type, thus maintaining low complexity while achieving high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamics by enabling real-time switching between different candidate waveforms based on liquid detection results. The control unit dynamically selects the appropriate waveform (first through fifth) according to the detected liquid viscosity characteristics, ensuring optimal ejection precision for each liquid type while maintaining a relatively simple fixed hardware structure
3Reliability
If the duty ratio of minute vibration pulses is increased to reduce viscosity of high-viscosity liquid, then the viscosity reduction effect is improved, but the risk of unintended ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by providing multiple candidate waveforms with incrementally increasing duty ratios (first through fifth waveforms). This allows the system to apply just enough vibration intensity to reduce viscosity of high-viscosity liquids without exceeding the threshold that would cause unintended ejection. The control unit selects the appropriate level of action based on detected liquid characteristics, ensuring reliable viscosity reduction while avoiding harmful over-vibration effects
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 allows for detailed adjustment of minute vibration pulses to suit the viscosity of the ink, reducing ejection errors and ensuring accurate ink deposition, even with non-standard liquids, by determining the optimal waveform through verification patterns and user input.
Implementation Method 1
Supplying pulses of a predetermined waveform (hereinafter referred to as minute vibration pulses) to a driving element, such as a piezoelectric element, generates minute vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus includes: driving a ejecting section by using each of a plurality of candidate waveforms of a minute vibration pulses in parallel with movement of a liquid ejecting head, the minute vibration pulses vibrates a liquid surface within a nozzle of the liquid ejecting head without causing liquid to be ejected from the nozzle, the candidate waveforms are different from each other; and setting a waveform of the minute vibration pulses included in a driving signal generated by the signal generating section, in accordance with an instruction accepted with an operating device.