Print Head Heating Control for Power-Limited Inkjet Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing apparatuses with a power storage unit, there is a concern that the time required to store power for the next operation after heating a print head can result in the print head's temperature decreasing to an unsuitable level, especially when power supplied is limited.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus that includes a print head with a heating element, a power storage unit, a power detection unit, a temperature detection unit, and a heating control unit, which uses stored power to heat the print head to a suitable temperature for operation by adjusting the heating element based on detected power and temperature, ensuring the print head is at a set temperature or higher when the operation starts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the print head is heated using a heating element, then the ink discharge performance is maintained, but the time required to store power for the next operation causes the print head temperature to decrease to an unsuitable level
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the print head to a higher temperature than the minimum required operating temperature. This advance action ensures that even after the time delay for power storage, the print head temperature remains above the operational threshold when the next operation commences.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating control dynamically adjusts the heating parameters based on the detected power supply conditions. When power supply is limited, the system modifies the heating strategy to account for the extended power storage time, ensuring temperature maintenance without excessive energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power is supplied from a limited power supply, then the apparatus can operate with smaller power input, but it takes longer to store sufficient power for the next operation after heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system anticipates the power storage time requirement and performs heating actions in advance, adjusting the heating profile to ensure adequate temperature is achieved before the next operation begins, regardless of the power storage duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating control unit changes the heating parameters (such as heating power level, duration, and timing) based on the detected power supply capacity. This adaptive parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize between power consumption and temperature maintenance under different power supply conditions.
3Reliability
If the print head temperature is maintained at a high level, then ink discharge performance is ensured, but more power is consumed during heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial heating action by raising the temperature only to the extent necessary to ensure adequate performance after the power storage delay, rather than continuously maintaining maximum temperature. This excessive action is calibrated to match the specific power storage time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating control dynamically adjusts temperature targets and heating power levels based on real-time detection of power supply conditions and print head temperature, optimizing the balance between maintaining ink discharge performance and minimizing energy consumption.
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 allows the print head to maintain a suitable temperature for operation even when power is limited, ensuring consistent ink discharge performance by efficiently managing power storage and heating control.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element for heating the print head to heat ink contained in the print head
Data Source
AI summary
Ink in a print head is heated to a target temperature by driving heating elements included in a print head. After heating control is completed, operation that is performed using power stored in a power storage unit is started. The target temperature in the heating control is determined in such a manner that the temperature of the print head when the operation is started is a set temperature or higher.