Liquid Jetting Apparatus Ink Circulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face high electric power consumption when circulating ink to prevent nozzle clogging, and maintenance-based solutions to reduce power consumption prolong the time before recording can start.
Innovation Solution
A liquid jetting apparatus with a controller that adjusts the unit circulation amount of ink based on standby time, reducing circulation during extended standby periods to minimize power usage and determining recovery operations for nozzle clogging accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink is circulated inside the head to prevent thickening, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but electric power consumption becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ink circulation system adjustable rather than static. The circulation amount is dynamically changed based on the standby time duration, with the controller adjusting pump operation to provide different circulation levels (normal circulation during short standby, reduced circulation during long standby). This resolves the contradiction by adapting the circulation intensity to actual needs, preventing clogging when necessary while reducing power consumption during extended idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of circulation amount based on standby time conditions. The system transitions between different circulation states (normal circulation mode and reduced circulation mode) by adjusting pump operation parameters. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable nozzle performance during short idle periods while consuming less energy during long standby periods, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ink circulation is stopped to reduce power consumption, then electric power consumption is suppressed, but maintenance time increases when restoring from standby to jetting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts circulation based on standby time predictions. When long standby is anticipated, the system switches to reduced circulation mode, accepting some thickening risk in exchange for lower power consumption. When jetting operation is needed, the system quickly restores normal circulation to clear any thickening. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by balancing power savings against recovery time based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining a baseline level of ink circulation even during standby periods. Rather than completely stopping circulation to save power, the system keeps a reduced circulation running that is sufficient to prevent severe thickening, thereby reducing the amount of recovery work needed when jetting operation resumes, while still achieving power consumption savings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If maintenance is performed to resolve thickening without continuous circulation, then power consumption is reduced, but recording start time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by keeping ink circulation running during standby periods, albeit at reduced levels. This continuous circulation prevents ink thickening and nozzle clogging, eliminating the need for maintenance interventions and enabling immediate resumption of jetting operations. The continuous action at lower intensity resolves the contradiction between power consumption and productivity by avoiding complete circulation shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining ink circulation during standby time to prevent thickening before jetting operation begins. This preliminary maintenance through continuous circulation ensures that when recording needs to start, the nozzles are already clear and ready, eliminating delays that would otherwise be required for maintenance operations.
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 quick initiation of inkjetting operations while minimizing electric power consumption and reducing the time required to start recording by optimizing ink circulation and recovery operations based on standby time.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to circulate liquid inside the liquid jetting head by generating a flow of the liquid from the first common channel toward the second common channel via the individual channels
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a liquid jetting head having individual channels, first and second common channels connected to the individual channels, the individual channels having nozzles respectively; a pump which circulates liquid inside the liquid jetting head; and a controller. The controller is configured to: reduce a unit circulation amount of the liquid in stages as standby time becomes longer, the unit circulation amount being a circulation amount of the liquid per unit time by the pump, the standby time being a length of time during which a standby state is continued, the standby state being a state in which the liquid jetting head is ready without jetting the liquid; and in a case of shifting the liquid jetting head from the standby state to a jetting operation, determine a type of recovery operations in accordance with the standby time.