Movable Detector for Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Ink Mist Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses face a trade-off between preventing an increase in size and maintaining detection accuracy for interference substances, as detectors must be positioned close to the ejecting unit to avoid size increments but risk decreased accuracy due to ink mist adherence.
Innovation Solution
A movable detector system that shifts between a first position close to the ejecting unit for detection and a second position farther away to prevent ink mist adherence, allowing for efficient conveyance path management while maintaining detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the detector is disposed close to the ejecting unit, then the apparatus size is reduced, but detection accuracy decreases due to ink mist adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is configured to be movable between a first position (close to the ejecting unit) and a second position (far from the ejecting unit). The controller controls the detector to move to the first position to detect an interference substance before the ejecting unit starts ejecting liquid, then moves to the second position before the ejecting unit ejects liquid. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the detector to be close during detection (improving detection accuracy) and far during ejection (preventing ink mist adherence and maintaining apparatus compactness).
Solution Approach 2:
The detector performs detection of the interference substance at the first position before the ejecting unit begins to eject liquid. This preliminary detection action allows the system to identify interference substances (such as foreign objects or creases on the medium) before they can cause problems during the ejection process, while the subsequent movement to the second position prevents ink mist contamination.
2Measurement precision
If the detector is disposed far from the ejecting unit, then detection accuracy is maintained, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector's movable configuration allows it to switch between positions based on operational requirements. During the detection phase, the detector is positioned at the first location (close to the ejecting unit) to maintain detection accuracy. During the ejection phase, it moves to the second location (far from the ejecting unit) to avoid ink mist adherence. This dynamic repositioning enables the apparatus to maintain compact dimensions without sacrificing detection accuracy.
3Volume of moving object
If the conveyance path is shortened to prevent apparatus size increase, then the detector is exposed to more ink mist, but detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector moves dynamically between two positions: the first position (close to the ejecting unit) for detection and the second position (far from the ejecting unit) for protection. Even though the conveyance path is shortened to maintain compact apparatus size, the detector's ability to reposition itself ensures it is not continuously exposed to ink mist. The controller manages this movement timing to ensure the detector is at the protected second position during ejection while maintaining detection capability at the first position.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting unit capable of ejecting a liquid, a support unit configured to support a medium onto which the liquid is ejected and is movable in a movement direction between a set position where the medium is set and an ejecting start position where the ejecting unit starts ejecting the liquid, and a detector configured to detect whether an interference substance which is a substance that causes an interference with the ejecting unit is present on the support unit. The detector is movable between a first position and a second position, a distance between the second position and the ejecting unit being longer than a distance between the first position and the ejecting unit, in the movement direction.