Variable Ink Ejection for Printer Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting techniques consume more ink than necessary during flushing operations due to fixed ejection quantities, which are not adjusted according to the viscosity of the liquid or the specific requirements of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a minute vibration control unit that adjusts the intensity of vibrations applied to the pressure chamber, allowing for variable ejection quantities during flushing operations, reducing ink consumption while maintaining the desired effect by distinguishing between different vibration intensities and applying them based on print data and operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejection quantity of liquid by the flushing operation is regularly maintained at a fixed value, then the flushing operation can be performed consistently, but more liquid is consumed than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ejection quantity variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the ejection quantity based on the number of times the liquid ejecting apparatus has been stopped, creating a dynamic flushing strategy that adapts to different operational states and reduces unnecessary liquid consumption while maintaining flushing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ejection quantity from a constant value to a variable value that depends on the stop count. By modifying this key parameter based on operational history, the system optimizes liquid usage while ensuring adequate flushing performance under different conditions.
2Loss of substance
If the ejection quantity of liquid is reduced during flushing operation, then liquid consumption is reduced, but the effectiveness of preventing nozzle clogging may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ejection quantity based on the stop count, providing different flushing intensities appropriate to different operational states. This dynamic approach ensures adequate nozzle cleaning when needed while reducing liquid consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic flushing operations with varying intensities based on the stop count. By performing flushing at different ejection quantities at different times (periods of operation), the system maintains nozzle effectiveness while optimizing liquid usage.
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 reduces ink consumption during flushing operations while effectively preventing nozzle clogging and air bubble entry, maintaining the desired printing quality by varying the ejection quantity based on the presence and intensity of minute vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric vibrator 422 that varies the pressure within the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
minute vibrations having variable intensity are applied to the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Each of a plurality of unit ejection portions includes a pressure chamber filled with liquid, nozzles which communicate with the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric vibrator that varies the pressure within the pressure chamber, and ejects ink from each nozzle according to the fluctuation of the pressure within the pressure chamber. A control unit controls the presence or the absence of the minute vibrations to be applied to the pressure chamber at the print period, and causes the respective unit ejection portions to execute the flushing operation so that an ejection quantity of ink by the flushing operation of the unit ejection portion, to which the minute vibrations is applied at the print period, exceeds the ejection quantity of ink by the flushing operation of the unit ejection portion to which the minute vibrations are not applied at the print period.