Multi-Angle Liquid Ejection Heads with Angle-Based Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses with multiple heads at different angles face issues with varying bubble discharge levels due to the circulation mechanism, leading to inconsistent ink supply and potential defective ejections.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with multiple heads disposed at varying angles, each with dedicated reservoirs and circulation mechanisms, controlled by a unified control unit to manage distinct circulation cleaning flow rates, ensuring balanced ink circulation and bubble removal across all heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circulation mechanism is provided in a liquid ejecting apparatus with multiple heads at different angles, then liquid can be circulated to maintain supply, but the level by which bubbles in the liquid are discharged varies among the heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different circulation cleaning flow rates for different heads based on their specific angles. Each head receives a customized flow rate that accounts for its individual orientation, ensuring that bubbles are effectively discharged from each head according to its local characteristics rather than applying a uniform flow rate to all heads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of circulation cleaning flow rate according to the angle of each head. The control unit adjusts the flow rate parameter based on the angle between each head's nozzle face and the horizontal plane, creating a variable flow rate system that adapts to different head orientations to optimize bubble discharge performance
2Area of stationary object
If multiple heads are disposed at different angles, then coverage area is increased, but bubble discharge performance varies among heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by applying local quality through angle-specific flow rate control. Each head's circulation cleaning flow rate is determined by its angle relative to the horizontal plane, creating localized optimization for each head's bubble discharge performance while maintaining the multi-angle configuration for broad coverage
3Device complexity
If circulation cleaning is performed with uniform flow rate on all heads, then system complexity is reduced, but bubble removal efficiency varies among heads at different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing parameter changes based on head angle. The control unit modifies the circulation cleaning flow rate parameter for each head according to its angle, achieving uniform bubble discharge performance across all heads while maintaining relatively simple control logic that follows a clear angular dependency rule
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 stabilizes ink supply and effectively removes bubbles, preventing defective ejections by adjusting circulation cleaning flow rates based on head angles, maintaining consistent performance across all heads.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation mechanism that circulates liquid between the reservoir and the head
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a first head disposed such that an arrangement angle is a first angle; a second head disposed such that an arrangement angle is a second angle, which is greater than the first angle; a first circulation mechanism circulating liquid between a first reservoir and the first head; a second circulation mechanism circulating liquid between a second reservoir and the second head; and a control unit controlling the first and the second circulation mechanisms. The control unit performs circulation cleaning, in which the liquid is circulated, on multiple heads including the first head and the second head. The amount of the liquid circulating through the first head during the circulation cleaning is a first amount, and the amount of the liquid circulating through the second head during the circulation cleaning is a second amount that is greater than the first amount.