Nozzle Recovery via Abnormality-Specific Liquid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in adjusting liquid circulation based on the type of abnormality in the ejection state of nozzles, leading to ineffective recovery of nozzles to a normal state.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a piezoelectric element, individual and common flow paths, and a state determination portion that determines the ejection state based on residual vibration, coupled with a recovery control portion that executes specific recovery processes for different types of nozzle abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid circulation is performed without adjusting to the type of abnormality, then the structure remains simple, but the recovery effectiveness of nozzle ejection state is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting circulation parameters (flow rate, circulation path, duration) based on the detected abnormality type. The control unit modifies circulation control parameters according to the abnormality classification, enabling effective recovery for different nozzle conditions without requiring complex hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the circulation system adaptive and adjustable. The circulation portion can dynamically change its operation mode based on real-time abnormality detection results, transitioning from simple circulation to targeted circulation patterns that match the specific nozzle abnormality type.
2Productivity
If a unified circulation method is used for all abnormality types, then the control system is simple, but the recovery performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes circulation parameters dynamically based on abnormality type detection. Different circulation patterns, flow rates, and durations are applied according to whether the abnormality is air bubble-related, thickening-related, or other types, thereby optimizing recovery performance for each specific condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the ejection state through residual vibration detection and using this information to adjust circulation control. The control unit receives detection results, determines abnormality type, and modifies circulation parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop recovery system.
3Reliability
If circulation is not adjusted according to abnormality type, then the system operation is simple, but the ejection state recovery is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation control parameters are changed based on the detected abnormality type. The control unit adjusts flow rate, circulation path selection, and circulation duration according to the specific nozzle condition, enabling effective recovery while maintaining reasonable system complexity through software-based control.
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 apparatus effectively recovers the ejection state of nozzles to a normal state by adjusting liquid circulation according to the type of abnormality, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element; a plurality of individual flow paths each including a pressure chamber and a nozzle for ejecting a liquid
Implementation Method 2
a state determination portion that determines an ejection state of the nozzle, based on residual vibration generated in the pressure chamber after a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a determination unit that determines an ejection state of the nozzle based on residual vibration generated in the pressure chamber after a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, a circulation mechanism that circulates the ink from the common flow path to the other common flow path via the plurality of individual flow paths, and a recovery control portion that executes a recovery process of recovering the ejection state of the nozzle to a normal state by controlling the circulation mechanism when the ejection state of the nozzle has an abnormality. The recovery control portion executes different processes according to a type of the abnormality determined by the determination unit as the recovery process.