Micro-Vibration Pulse Control for Ink Viscosity in Liquid Ejecting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in generating sufficient micro-vibration in the liquid to prevent an increase in viscosity, as charges on the transport belt affect the meniscus, suppressing agitation and potentially leading to ink not being ejected effectively.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a nozzle, pressure chamber, piezoelectric element, endless transport belt, and electrifying section, where a micro-vibration pulse is generated in the pressure chamber without ejecting ink, controlled by data related to the meniscus state, ensuring adequate agitation without excessive vibration that could increase viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transport belt is electrified to transport the medium, then the medium adheres to the transport belt, but the charges on the transport belt suppress the agitation of the liquid by micro-vibration, potentially leading to increased viscosity and ineffective ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the micro-vibration characteristics adjustable and adaptive. The control unit dynamically modifies the micro-vibration pulse parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on real-time detection of meniscus state and electrifying section status, transforming a static vibration system into a dynamic one that can optimize agitation effectiveness under varying electrification conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the micro-vibration pulse characteristics in response to detected meniscus states and electrifying section conditions. The control unit adjusts vibration amplitude, frequency, and temporal patterns to overcome the suppressing effect of charges on the transport belt, thereby maintaining adequate liquid agitation and preventing viscosity increase
2Reliability
If micro-vibration is applied to the liquid to prevent viscosity increase, then the liquid is agitated, but excessive vibration may cause the liquid to be ejected from the nozzle unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by delivering micro-vibration pulses that are sufficient to achieve the desired liquid agitation and prevent viscosity increase, but controlled to remain below the threshold that would cause unintentional ejection. The system carefully calibrates the vibration amplitude and duration to provide just enough agitation without exceeding harmful levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the detection unit to monitor the meniscus state and liquid behavior in response to micro-vibration pulses. The control unit processes this feedback information and adjusts subsequent vibration parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents unintentional ejection while maintaining effective agitation
3Manufacturing precision
If the micro-vibration pulse intensity is increased to overcome the suppressing effect of charges, then liquid agitation is improved, but the risk of unintentional ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the micro-vibration characteristics adjustable and adaptive. The control unit dynamically modifies the micro-vibration pulse parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on real-time detection of meniscus state and electrifying section status, transforming a static vibration system into a dynamic one that can optimize agitation effectiveness under varying electrification conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the micro-vibration pulse characteristics in response to detected meniscus states and electrifying section conditions. The control unit adjusts vibration amplitude, frequency, and temporal patterns to overcome the suppressing effect of charges on the transport belt, thereby maintaining adequate liquid agitation and preventing viscosity increase
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
The solution effectively agitates the ink in the pressure chamber, preventing viscosity increase and ensuring proper ejection, even when the transport belt is electrified, by adjusting the micro-vibration pulse based on the meniscus state, thereby maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that varies pressure in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
an electrifying section that electrifies the transport belt... charges on the transport belt affect the meniscus of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure has a nozzle configured to eject a liquid, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, a piezoelectric element that varying pressure in the pressure chamber, an endless transport belt transporting a medium, an electrifying section electrifying the transport belt, and a driving circuit that supplying, to the piezoelectric element, a micro-vibration pulse that generates micro-vibration in the liquid in the pressure chamber without causing the liquid to be ejected from the nozzle. The micro-vibration pulse is varied according to first data related to the state of a meniscus in the nozzle in a first state in which the nozzle and the transport belt electrified by the electrifying section face each other.