Liquid Discharge Nozzle Valve Control to Prevent Thickening
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharge apparatuses where valves open and close, thickened liquid in nozzle holes can cause discharge abnormalities due to exposure to air when not in use, as vibration to stir the liquid is not feasible with pressurized chambers.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus supplies a controlled amount of liquid to the nozzle holes when not in use, maintaining a gap to prevent discharge while keeping the liquid fresh, using a piezoelectric valve conveyor to manage valve movement and a controller for precise voltage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration is given to liquid levels inside nozzle holes to stir thickened liquid, then discharge abnormality is reduced, but this method cannot be applied to pressurized liquid chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration method with a pressure control system. Instead of physically vibrating the liquid, the invention controls the liquid supply pressure to maintain a small amount of liquid in the nozzle holes, preventing thickening through pressure regulation rather than mechanical agitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter of the liquid supply system. By maintaining a specific pressure range that supplies a controlled small amount of liquid, the system prevents liquid thickening without requiring vibration, thus adapting the solution to pressurized chamber environments.
2Reliability
If a gap is maintained between the valve and nozzle plate to supply liquid, then liquid thickening is prevented, but liquid discharge may occur when not intended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure parameter control to regulate liquid flow through the gap. By adjusting the supply pressure, the system maintains enough liquid flow to prevent thickening while keeping the gap small enough to prevent unintended discharge, achieving both goals through precise pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements pressure feedback control where the liquid supply pressure is regulated based on the required discharge conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pressure remains within a range that maintains liquid freshness without causing leakage, dynamically balancing the gap function.
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 reduces the chances of discharge abnormalities by preventing liquid thickening and adhesion, ensuring stable operation regardless of liquid properties or environment, with reduced dripping or leakage.
Implementation Method 1
using a piezoelectric valve conveyor to manage valve movement
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid chamber including a nozzle plate having a nozzle hole, a supply unit to supply a liquid to the liquid chamber, a valve disposed in the liquid chamber, and a valve conveyor to move the valve. When the liquid is to be discharged and when the liquid is not to be discharged, the liquid is supplied from the liquid chamber to the nozzle hole. An amount of the liquid to be supplied to the nozzle hole when the liquid is not to be discharged is smaller than an amount of the liquid to be supplied to the nozzle hole when the liquid is to be discharged.