Printer Ejection Port Recovery via Localized Suction Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in effectively recovering ejection-failed ejection ports due to uniform suction pressure application, which can lead to incomplete ink removal from functioning ports.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a detection unit to identify ejection-failed ports and a control unit that applies distinct suction conditions, including varying pressure and movement speed, to specifically target and recover these ports while minimizing ink removal from functioning ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same suction pressure is applied to all ejection ports, then the suction operation is simple to control, but ejection-failed ports cannot be effectively recovered without excessively sucking ink from functioning ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different suction pressures to different ejection ports based on their ejection state. Ejection-failed ports receive higher suction pressure for effective recovery, while functioning ports receive lower or no suction pressure to prevent excessive ink removal. This localized differentiation of suction conditions resolves the contradiction between recovery effectiveness and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the suction pressure parameter dynamically based on the detected ejection state of each port. By adjusting the suction pressure level according to whether a port is functioning or failed, the system achieves effective recovery of failed ports while protecting functioning ports from excessive ink suction, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If high suction pressure is applied to recover ejection-failed ports, then recovery effectiveness improves, but excessive ink is sucked from functioning ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized suction pressure application where high suction pressure is applied only to ejection-failed ports that require recovery, while functioning ports are either excluded from suction or subjected to minimal suction pressure. This spatial differentiation eliminates excessive ink loss from functioning ports while maintaining effective recovery of failed ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detection unit to automatically identify which ports are ejection-failed and require high suction pressure, versus which ports are functioning and should receive low or no suction. This self-identification and automatic differentiation prevents excessive ink suction from functioning ports while ensuring effective recovery of failed ports.
3Loss of substance
If low suction pressure is applied to avoid excessive ink suction, then ink loss is minimized, but ejection failure cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies low suction pressure to functioning ports to minimize ink loss, while simultaneously applying high suction pressure to ejection-failed ports to resolve ejection failure. This localized differentiation of suction pressure levels allows the system to protect functioning ports from excessive ink suction while effectively recovering failed ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the suction pressure parameter based on the ejection state of each port. Functioning ports receive low suction pressure to prevent ink loss, while ejection-failed ports receive high suction pressure to enable effective recovery. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between minimizing ink loss and resolving ejection failure.
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 approach allows for appropriate recovery of ejection-failed ports without excessively sucking ink from ports in good ejection states, enhancing the recovery process efficiency and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a depressurizing unit configured to apply negative pressure to the ejection port surface via the opening... the control unit performs the suction operation to suck the liquid from the plurality of ejection ports
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printing unit that includes an ejection port surface provided with ejection ports through which liquid is ejected, a wiping unit, a depressurizing unit, and detection unit. The wiping unit has an opening and wipes the ejection port surface by moving in a predetermined direction while the opening abuts against the ejection port surface. The depressurizing unit applies negative pressure to the ejection port surface via the opening. The detection unit detects an ejection state of the ejection ports. After driving the depressurizing unit when the opening abuts against the ejection port surface, the suction operation sucks the liquid from the ejection ports while moving the wiping unit. The suction operation is performed from a first ejection port detected as an ejection-failed ejection port by the detection unit under a suction condition different from suction conditions of the ejection ports other than the first ejection port.