Printer Nozzle Purging via Selective Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording devices face challenges in recovering the discharge capability of nozzle holes due to resistance differences between supply flow channels, especially when inks of varying viscosities or with air mixtures are used, leading to uneven purging and reduced effectiveness in recovering nozzle functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a printer system with a cap that closely adheres to the nozzle surface, utilizing a processor to control supply valves and a pump in the waste liquid flow channel, allowing for selective purging of nozzle holes by opening one supply valve while closing the other, thereby ensuring ink discharge regardless of resistance differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single capping portion caps all nozzle holes and purging is performed simultaneously, then the purging process is simple, but ink is more likely to be discharged from supply flow channels with lower resistance, making it difficult to recover discharge capability of nozzle holes corresponding to supply flow channels with higher resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the purging process into multiple stages by controlling supply valves individually. Each nozzle hole or group of nozzle holes is purged separately by opening one supply valve while closing others, segmenting the simultaneous purging operation into controlled sequential operations that address resistance differences between supply flow channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically controls the opening and closing of supply valves during the purging process. The controller adjusts valve states based on detected resistance differences, transitioning from a static all-open or all-closed valve configuration to a dynamic controlled state where valves are selectively opened and closed to optimize purging effectiveness for each nozzle hole.
2Quantity of substance
If supply flow channels are made longer to separate sub-tanks from the head, then more ink can be stored in sub-tanks, but resistance difference between supply flow channels increases, reducing purging effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the supply valves during purging. By controlling valves to open or close based on detected resistance differences, the system compensates for the increased resistance caused by longer supply flow channels, maintaining effective purging despite the length-induced resistance variation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inks of different viscosities are used in different supply flow channels, then diverse printing functions are achieved, but resistance difference between channels increases, causing uneven ink discharge during purging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by individually managing each supply flow channel through dedicated valve control. Each channel with different ink viscosity receives tailored purging control, allowing the system to accommodate diverse ink types while maintaining uniform purging effectiveness through localized valve management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller detects resistance differences between supply flow channels and adjusts valve control accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to compensate for viscosity variations in different inks, ensuring consistent purging performance across all channels despite the diversity of ink types used.
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 enables the recovery of discharge capability for nozzle holes across both supply flow channels, improving the reliability and speed of purging by managing resistance differences and ensuring consistent ink flow.
Implementation Method 1
a pump provided at a waste liquid flow channel connected to the cap
Implementation Method 2
a cap configured to cover the first nozzle hole and the second nozzle hole and to be closely adhered to the nozzle surface
Data Source
AI summary
A printer is provided with a first supply flow channel configured to connect a head with a first tank, a second supply flow channel configured to connect the head with a second tank, a first supply valve provided at the first supply flow channel, a second supply valve provided at the second supply flow channel, a cap configured to cover the first nozzle hole and the second nozzle hole and to be closely adhered to a nozzle surface of the head, a pump provided at a waste liquid flow channel connected to the cap. The processor of the printer drives the pump in a state in which the cap is closely adhered to the nozzle surface, one of the first supply valve or the second supply valve is open, and the other of the first supply valve or the second supply valve is closed.