Actuator Electrical Measurement for Flow Path Readiness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid ejection devices require time-consuming and costly test samples to determine if the flow path is primed and functional, leading to unnecessary fluid waste and potential printing interruptions due to frequent purging at predetermined intervals.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that measure the electrical characteristics of an actuator, such as equivalent series resistance or parallel resistance, to determine if the flow path is ready for ejection, allowing for purging only when necessary and providing feedback on the priming procedure's success without printing test samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If test samples are used to determine if the flow path is primed and functional, then the readiness status can be verified, but time is consumed and fluid is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path readiness verificationVSAvoidtime for testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical test sample printing method with an electrical measurement system. By measuring the electrical characteristics (impedance, resonant frequency) of the actuator, the system determines flow path readiness without requiring actual fluid ejection or test samples, thus eliminating time consumption and fluid waste while maintaining verification reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that indirectly assesses flow path status. Instead of directly observing fluid ejection through test samples, the system uses electrical characteristics of the actuator as an intermediary indicator to infer the priming state of the flow path, achieving reliable verification without the drawbacks of direct testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If test samples are used to determine if the flow path is primed and functional, then the readiness status can be verified, but fluid is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path readiness verificationVSAvoidfluid waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an electrical signature or profile of the actuator's electrical characteristics that serves as a virtual copy or representation of the flow path's physical state. This electrical profile can be measured and analyzed without consuming fluid, providing a non-invasive diagnostic of the priming status

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If purging is performed at predetermined intervals, then potential blockages can be addressed, but printing interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage preventionVSAvoidprinting continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electrical characteristics of the actuator are continuously or periodically monitored. Based on the measured impedance and resonant frequency values, the system provides real-time feedback on flow path status and automatically determines when purging is necessary, replacing fixed-interval purging with condition-based purging to maintain printing continuity while preventing blockages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static, predetermined-interval purging schedule to a dynamic, condition-responsive purging strategy. The system adapts its purging decisions based on real-time electrical measurements of actuator characteristics, allowing purging to occur only when actually needed to maintain flow path readiness, thereby minimizing printing interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 fluid waste and minimizes printing interruptions by ensuring that only necessary purging occurs, allowing uninterrupted printing when all flow paths are ready for ejection, and provides real-time feedback on the priming status.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator includes piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

measuring an electrical characteristic of the actuator to obtain a measured value, and comparing the measured value to a threshold value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2588321B1Determining whether a flow path is ready for ejecting a drop

Publication Date: 2020.12.23 FUJIFILM DIMATIX INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A method of determining whether a flow path is ready for ejection includes supplying liquid to the flow path, which includes a pumping chamber and a nozzle, after supplying fluid to the flow path, applying energy to an actuator adjacent to the pumping chamber, measuring an electrical characteristic of the actuator to obtain a measured value, and comparing the measured value to a threshold value to determine if the flow path is ready for ejection.