Liquid Ejection Apparatus Replenishment Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with liquid evaporation through the replenishment port cap, even when closed, leading to concentration changes in the stored liquid, especially when the apparatus is unused for extended periods, which can result in improper image formation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a notification unit that alerts users to replenish the liquid storage container after a predetermined time of inactivity, ensuring the liquid is replenished from an air-tight source to maintain proper concentration, and a control unit that manages the liquid ejection process to prevent printing with high-concentration liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liquid storage container is replenished with a liquid from outside through the replenishment port, then the liquid can be refilled conveniently, but the liquid evaporates through the replenishment port when the cap is forgotten to be closed, causing concentration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary detection of liquid concentration before the ejection operation. When the concentration is detected to be outside the predetermined range, the system notifies the user to replenish liquid in advance, preventing improper ejection operations caused by undetected concentration changes due to evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration detection unit continuously monitors liquid concentration and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines whether to notify the user for replenishment, creating a closed-loop system that maintains liquid concentration within the acceptable range despite occasional cap opening events.
2Reliability
If the cap for the replenishment port is kept closed to prevent evaporation, then liquid concentration stability is improved, but the user cannot easily replenish the liquid storage container
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration detection and notifies the user before the ejection operation occurs. This allows the user to replenish liquid in advance when needed, maintaining concentration stability during the actual ejection process while still allowing convenient replenishment when notified.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration detection unit automatically monitors liquid concentration without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates by notifying the user only when concentration changes are detected, eliminating the need for the user to constantly check or manually monitor the liquid state.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the liquid storage container is not replenished for a long time, then the apparatus can remain idle without operation, but the liquid evaporates and concentration changes occur leading to improper image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary concentration detection before the ejection operation. When concentration is detected to be improper, the system notifies the user to replenish liquid in advance, preventing improper image formation that would occur if ejection were performed with concentrated liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration detection unit provides continuous feedback on liquid concentration status. The control unit uses this feedback to determine whether to permit or notify regarding ejection operations, ensuring that image formation quality is maintained by preventing ejection when liquid concentration is outside the acceptable range.
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
Prevents liquid evaporation and concentration changes by prompting timely replenishment, ensuring the liquid is maintained at a proper state for effective printing, thereby maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid evaporates through the replenishment port
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a liquid ejection unit; a liquid storage container including a replenishment port through which to replenish the liquid storage container with a liquid and an opening-closing member which closes and opens the replenishment port; and a notification unit configured to notify a user of information to be recognized by the user; and a control unit configured to control the notification unit. In a case where the time elapsed since the previous liquid ejection by the liquid ejection unit is a predetermined time or longer, the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the user of information on replenishment of the liquid storage container with a liquid.