Printer Nozzle Capping and Flushing Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid discharge apparatuses face inefficiencies in print throughput due to the need to cap and uncap nozzles between print jobs, leading to delayed start times and increased liquid consumption during flushing.
Innovation Solution
A control system that manages nozzle capping and flushing based on elapsed time and incoming job inputs, allowing early termination of flushing and capping to optimize print efficiency and reduce liquid consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capping is performed after each liquid discharge job, then liquid evaporation is prevented, but print efficiency deteriorates due to time loss between jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs flushing action in advance during the waiting period between print jobs. By discharging liquid to the liquid reception section before the next job arrives, the system prepares the nozzle in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming capping and uncapping operations when the next job starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flushing operation based on real-time conditions. The control section monitors whether the next liquid discharge job is input within a predetermined waiting time after the current job completes, and accordingly determines whether to perform flushing or capping, optimizing the response to varying workloads.
2Productivity
If flushing is performed continuously to prepare for next job, then print efficiency improves, but liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial flushing action during the waiting period rather than continuous flushing. The control section determines the flushing duration based on the elapsed time since the last job, ensuring sufficient nozzle preparation while limiting liquid consumption to only what is necessary for the upcoming job.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section continuously monitors the elapsed time since the last liquid discharge job and uses this feedback to determine when to terminate flushing. When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined waiting time, the system automatically stops flushing and performs capping, preventing excessive liquid consumption.
3Loss of substance
If capping is performed immediately after job completion, then liquid consumption is reduced, but next job start time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs flushing as a preliminary action during the waiting period between jobs. By completing the flushing operation before the next job arrives, the system ensures the nozzle is properly prepared without delaying the next job start time, eliminating the trade-off between liquid consumption and job start time.
Data Source
AI summary
After the control section of a printer (liquid discharge apparatus) discharges ink on the basis of a print job, the control section waits for an input of the next print job while causing the discharge section to perform flushing. If the next print job is input before the elapsed time Te from the end of the ink discharge on the basis of the print job exceeds the waiting time Tw, the control section causes ink to be discharged on the basis of the next print job. On the other hand, if the next print job is not input before the elapsed time Te exceeds the waiting time Tw, the control section causes the cap to be subjected to capping.