Liquid Ejection Nozzle Control via Localized Dummy Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection devices face inefficiencies in dummy ejection methods, as they uniformly perform dummy ejections from all nozzles to prevent color mixing, leading to wasteful discharge of ink and inability to set dummy ejection amounts based on individual nozzle states.

Innovation Solution

A control method for a liquid ejection device that includes a pressurizing section to cause liquid to bulge from nozzle groups, a wiping section to wipe the nozzle surface, and a detection section to detect nozzles with adhering liquid droplets. The method sets a dummy ejection amount for each nozzle based on detection results and performs a dummy ejection with the set amount, allowing for targeted ejection amounts based on nozzle states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dummy ejection is uniformly performed from all nozzles to prevent color mixing, then color mixing is prevented, but the amount of liquid wastefully discharged increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor mixing preventionVSAvoidliquid discharge amount

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the dummy ejection amount for each nozzle based on its individual state. Instead of uniform ejection from all nozzles, the system identifies nozzles that have come into contact with adhering liquid droplets through detection means, and performs dummy ejection only from those specific nozzles or adjusts the ejection amount accordingly. This localized approach prevents color mixing at affected nozzles while avoiding wasteful discharge from nozzles that do not require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If dummy ejection is uniformly performed from all nozzles, then color mixing is prevented, but the dummy ejection amount cannot be set according to the state of each nozzle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor mixing preventionVSAvoiddummy ejection amount adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables adaptive dummy ejection by implementing local quality differentiation. Detection means identify the specific state of each nozzle (whether it has contacted adhering liquid droplets), and the control means adjusts the dummy ejection amount accordingly for each nozzle. This allows the system to adapt the ejection strategy to individual nozzle conditions while maintaining color mixing prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where detection means continuously monitor the state of each nozzle, and this detection information feeds back to the control means which adjusts the dummy ejection amount. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptation of the dummy ejection process based on actual nozzle conditions, improving both color mixing prevention and reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If pressurization is released before wiping and detection, then liquid may be sucked into nozzles causing color mixing, but maintaining pressurization allows proper detection and targeted dummy ejection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor mixing preventionVSAvoidpressurization state maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the pressurized state during the wiping and detection processes. Instead of releasing pressurization before these operations, the system keeps the liquid in a bulged state, which prevents unwanted suction into the nozzles that would occur upon pressure release. This preliminary maintenance of pressure ensures that detection occurs under optimal conditions and prevents color mixing before targeted dummy ejection is performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for the suppression of wasteful liquid discharge by setting dummy ejection amounts according to individual nozzle states, thereby reducing color mixing and improving overall efficiency in liquid ejection devices.

Implementation Method 1

a pressurizing section configured to cause the liquid to bulge from the plurality of nozzle groups by pressurizing the liquid in the plurality of nozzle groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250033359A1Control method of liquid ejection device and liquid ejection device

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

The liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection section, a pressurizing section, a wiping section, and a detection section. The pressurizing section causes the liquid to bulge from the plurality of nozzles by pressurization. The detection section detects a nozzle with which a droplet adhering to the nozzle surface comes into contact. The control method of the liquid ejection device includes causing the liquid to bulge from the plurality of nozzle groups by the pressurization of the pressurizing section which is an ejection of liquid not related to the recording, from the plurality of nozzles based on the set dummy ejection amount.