Print Head Cooler Functioning Assessment via Non-Jetting Pulse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the functioning of a print head cooler in ink jet printers are time-consuming and disruptive to printer productivity, requiring removal and reinstallation of the cooler, and can lead to pollution.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the operation of the print head cooler, application of a predetermined amount of heat using non-jetting pulses, and temperature measurement to assess the cooler's functionality without removing it from the printer, utilizing a piezoelectric actuation means to provide heat and maintain cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the print head cooler is removed from the printer to investigate its cooling capacity, then the assessment of cooler functioning becomes possible, but the printer productivity decreases due to time-consuming removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The print head cooler is tested while remaining installed in the printer, allowing the system to self-diagnose its cooling capacity without external intervention or removal. The cooler continues to perform its cooling function during normal printer operation, and its effectiveness is measured through temperature comparisons before and after cooling activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling capacity assessment is performed continuously during normal printer operation rather than requiring separate removal and testing procedures. The cooler remains in its operational position and continues to cool the print head while simultaneously being evaluated for its functioning status.
2Reliability
If traditional cooling capacity investigation methods are used, then the functioning of the print head cooler can be assessed, but the printer productivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis of the cooler's functioning status by monitoring temperature changes during normal operation, eliminating the need for external removal and reinstallation procedures that cause time loss and productivity decrease.
3Measurement precision
If the print head cooler is removed for testing, then the cooling capacity can be investigated, but the printer may become polluted
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling capacity measurement is performed in-situ with the cooler remaining installed in the printer, preventing any potential pollution that would result from removal, reinstallation, and handling of the cooler component outside the sealed printer environment.
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
Enables effective assessment of the print head cooler's functionality without disrupting printer operation or causing pollution, providing accurate temperature data to determine proper functioning and potential malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation means comprise a piezoelectric element, the actuation means being configured to provide jetting pulses and non-jetting pulses
Implementation Method 2
the print head cooler comprising a first surface that is in thermal contact with a surface of a print head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to cooling of a print head in an inkjet printer. In particular, the invention relates to a method for determining functioning of a print head cooler. Further, the invention also relates to an assembly of a print head and a print head cooler.