Variable Timer Period for Inkjet Nozzle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet-type recording apparatuses face nozzle clogging issues due to prolonged power-saving modes, where existing time measurement methods are inadequate for accurate recovery processing, leading to either unnecessary or delayed recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
The image recording apparatus employs a timer with a second period distinct from the normal operation period to measure time during power-saving mode, allowing for enhanced power-saving without additional components and improving time measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a timer with a first period is used to control the driving control circuit during normal mode, then the recording operation can be controlled accurately, but the power consumption increases during power-saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The timer period is made variable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically switches between a first period during normal mode and a second period during power-saving mode, allowing the system to adapt the timing characteristics to operational requirements and thereby reduce power consumption while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer period parameter is changed based on operational mode. The control circuit selects different period values (first period for normal mode, second period for power-saving mode) to optimize both power consumption and control accuracy for each specific operating condition.
2Device complexity
If a timer with a first period is used during power-saving mode, then the existing control circuit can be used, but the time measurement accuracy for recovery processing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The timer period is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. During power-saving mode, the control circuit switches to a second period that provides sufficient time measurement accuracy for recovery processing, while using a first period during normal mode for general control, thus avoiding the need for additional dedicated timing components.
3Reliability
If recovery processing is executed frequently to prevent nozzle clogging, then nozzle functionality is maintained, but unnecessary operations increase energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses the timer to measure elapsed time during power-saving mode and compares it against threshold values to determine when recovery processing is actually needed. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary recovery operations by triggering them only when the measured time indicates genuine risk of nozzle clogging, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining nozzle functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a driving control circuit configured to record an image on a recording medium, and a timer configured to generate a first period to control the driving control circuit, wherein the timer is configured to generate a second period that is different from the first period, and wherein, in a power-saving mode that uses less power than a normal mode in which an image is recorded, the timer is configured to measure time based on the second period.