Liquid Ejection Orifice Cleaning via Resonant Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face inefficiencies in removing foreign matter that firmly adheres to orifices, which can lead to ejection performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with an ejection unit, oscillating element, retention member, detection unit, and control unit that drives the oscillating element at a specific drive period based on detected oscillation characteristics to improve cleaning efficiency by retaining liquid between the retention member and ejection surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the oscillating element is driven to clean the orifice, then foreign matter removal capability is improved, but cleaning efficiency is insufficient for firmly adhering foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating element is driven to vibrate at its natural period to generate strong mechanical vibrations that dislodge firmly adhering foreign matter from the orifice. The detection unit identifies the natural period by detecting oscillation characteristics, and the control unit drives the oscillating element at this specific period to maximize cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating element is driven periodically at its natural period to create resonant vibrations. By matching the drive period to the natural period detected by the detection unit, the system achieves periodic action that amplifies vibration effects and enhances the ability to remove firmly adhering foreign matter efficiently.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If liquid is retained between the retention member and ejection surface, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A retention member is introduced as an intermediary component to hold liquid between itself and the ejection surface. This additional component enables effective cleaning by maintaining liquid contact with the oscillating element and orifice, improving cleaning effectiveness despite the increase in device complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the oscillating element is driven at a specific drive period, then cleaning precision is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit continuously monitors oscillation characteristics of the oscillating element to identify its natural period. This feedback information is used by the control unit to adjust and maintain the drive period at the optimal value, ensuring precise cleaning while automatically compensating for variations in system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating element's own oscillation characteristics are used to determine its natural period. The detection unit detects the inherent oscillation behavior, and the system uses this self-generated information to set the drive period, eliminating the need for external calibration or complex measurement procedures.
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
Enhances the effectiveness of foreign matter removal from orifices, improving ejection performance by resonating the oscillating element at a drive period aligned with its natural period, thereby increasing fluidity and cleaning effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
drive the oscillating element at a drive period based on a detection result of the detection unit... resonating the oscillating element at a drive period aligned with its natural period
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejection unit including an ejection surface in which an orifice through which a liquid is ejected is open, an oscillating element provided with the orifice, a retention member arranged opposite the ejection surface and configured to retain a liquid between the retention member and the ejection surface, a detection unit configured to detect an oscillation characteristic of the oscillating element, and a control unit configured to, in a case of cleaning the orifice, drive the oscillating element at a drive period based on a detection result of the detection unit in a state in which the liquid is retained between the retention member and the ejection surface.