Piezoelectric Ink Stirring for Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face reduced image quality due to varying ink ejection amounts caused by increased ink viscosity during the print process, particularly during non-ejection states where the ink is not ejected from the nozzle for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus and method that include a piezoelectric element and a drive control system, which extracts non-ejection periods during continuous print processes and inputs a specific drive signal to the piezoelectric element to stir the ink in the nozzle, preventing ink ejection during these periods and maintaining ink flow consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink is not ejected from the nozzle during non-ejection periods, then the inkjet recording apparatus can maintain readiness for subsequent print operations, but the ink viscosity increases due to drying, causing reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a stirring operation that activates during non-ejection periods. The piezoelectric element receives a stirring drive signal at regular intervals or continuously during periods when no printing occurs, causing the ink to circulate and mix within the nozzle. This periodic stirring prevents the ink from settling and drying, maintaining its original viscosity and ejection characteristics for when printing resumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the piezoelectric element by applying different drive signals for different purposes. During non-ejection periods, a specific stirring drive signal is applied that causes the piezoelectric element to expand and contract in a manner that stirs the ink rather than ejecting it. This parameter change allows the same component to serve dual functions: printing during ejection periods and ink agitation during non-ejection periods
2Productivity
If ink ejection amount varies due to increased viscosity, then the print process can continue without interruption, but the image quality of the print output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing ink stirring during non-ejection periods before the actual printing operation resumes. By agitating the ink in advance during idle time, the system ensures that when ejection is needed, the ink is already in optimal condition with proper viscosity and homogeneity, preventing quality degradation during the print process itself
3Stability of the object's composition
If a stirring operation is performed during non-ejection periods, then ink viscosity consistency is maintained, but additional control complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the piezoelectric element multi-functional. The same piezoelectric element that is used for ink ejection during printing operations is also utilized for stirring the ink during non-ejection periods. By controlling the drive signal parameters, the element performs different functions at different times, eliminating the need for separate stirring mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using its own existing components (the piezoelectric element and ink supply system) to maintain ink quality without requiring external or additional dedicated stirring devices. The ink is stirred by the piezoelectric element's natural expansion and contraction when driven by appropriate signals, leveraging the existing infrastructure to solve the viscosity consistency problem
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 solution enhances image quality by preventing ink viscosity-related issues and maintaining consistent ink ejection, thereby improving print output quality even during extended non-ejection states.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element provided in correspondence with the nozzle, and configured to, upon input of a predetermined first drive signal, cause the ink to be ejected from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a piezoelectric element, an extraction processing portion, and a drive control portion. The piezoelectric element is provided in correspondence with a nozzle, and upon input of a first drive signal, causes ink to be ejected from the nozzle. The extraction processing portion, when a print process is executed, extracts a non-ejection period during which a non-ejection state continues for more than a reference time period, from an execution period of the print process based on a plurality of pieces of image data printed in the print process, wherein ink is not ejected from the nozzle in the non-ejection state. The drive control portion inputs a second drive signal for causing the piezoelectric element to stir the ink in the nozzle, to the piezoelectric element during a partial period of the non-ejection period extracted by the extraction processing portion.