Print Mechanism Fluid Ejection Rate Control via Component Identifiers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ink-jet printers face challenges in maintaining print quality due to varying fluid ejection rates, as existing technologies lack efficient methods to adjust and control the fluid deposition based on replaceable printing components, leading to inconsistent image saturation and detail.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system where replaceable printing components, such as printheads and fluid reservoirs, are equipped with identifiers that store nominal fluid ejection rates, allowing the print mechanism to adjust the fluid ejection rate through a lookup table, enabling control over print quality modes like draft, normal, and best, by determining the appropriate fluid deposition based on the component's identifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the amount of ink dropped is increased to improve image saturation and detail, then print quality is improved, but ink consumption increases and reservoir life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint qualityVSAvoidink consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the fluid ejection rate based on the operational state of replaceable printing components. The controller modifies ejection parameters in real-time according to component identifiers, enabling the system to transition between different print quality modes (draft, normal, best) and optimize ink consumption accordingly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fluid ejection rate parameter based on component identifiers stored on replaceable printing components. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system can achieve different print quality levels and extend reservoir life by reducing ink consumption when high quality is not required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the fluid ejection rate is fixed to maintain consistent print quality, then image saturation and detail are preserved, but adaptability to different replaceable components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage saturationVSAvoidcomponent compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from identifiers on replaceable printing components to automatically adjust the fluid ejection rate. The controller reads component identifiers and uses this information to determine appropriate ejection parameters, ensuring both consistent print quality and compatibility with different component types and conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universal compatibility with different replaceable printing components by using a standardized identifier system. The controller can interpret various component states (new, depleted, different types) through identifiers and automatically adjust operations accordingly, making the system adaptable to multiple component scenarios while maintaining consistent output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If draft and economy modes are made easily accessible, then user convenience is improved, but control over fluid deposition precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selectionVSAvoidfluid deposition control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting and adjusting fluid ejection parameters based on component identifiers without requiring manual user intervention. The controller autonomously determines the appropriate print mode and ejection rate based on the state of the installed printing components, maintaining precision while simplifying operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2209641B1Fluid ejection device
Publication Date: 2013.04.24 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP2209641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP2209641B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2209641B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A fluid ejection device for use with a print system to eject fluid onto a substrate. The fluid ejection device includes a fluid reservoir and an identifier specifying a nominal fluid ejection rate.