Capacitive Charge Supply for Piezoelectric Inkjet Printers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid discharge apparatuses face issues with energy efficiency, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor control over capacitive loads like piezoelectric elements in inkjet printers, leading to high power consumption and difficulty in finely controlling the piezoelectric elements.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a discharge section, charge supply source, and connection path selection mechanism that switches between series and parallel states of capacitive elements to control the piezoelectric elements, allowing for stepwise voltage application and reduced current switching, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing EMI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If linear amplification is used to drive piezoelectric elements, then sufficient electrical current can be supplied to actuate the piezoelectric elements, but power consumption increases considerably and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage amplification is segmented into multiple discrete voltage levels (first voltage, second voltage, third voltage, etc.) rather than continuous linear amplification. The switching section selectively connects the piezoelectric element to different voltage levels based on control signals, achieving effective driving while reducing power consumption compared to linear amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching between different voltage levels to drive the piezoelectric elements. By alternating between charging at higher voltages and discharging at lower voltages in a controlled periodic manner, the system achieves efficient energy transfer while minimizing continuous power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If class D amplification with pulse width modulation is used to improve energy efficiency, then better energy efficiency is achieved, but switching large current at high frequency creates electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage amplification is segmented into multiple discrete voltage levels rather than using high-frequency pulse width modulation. The switching section selectively connects the piezoelectric element to different voltage levels based on control signals, achieving effective driving while reducing power consumption compared to linear amplification.
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage switching format is used to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but the stepwise switching prevents fine control of the piezoelectric elements
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage amplification is segmented into multiple discrete voltage levels (first voltage, second voltage, third voltage, etc.) rather than continuous linear amplification. The switching section selectively connects the piezoelectric element to different voltage levels based on control signals, achieving effective driving while reducing power consumption compared to linear amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between multiple discrete voltage levels based on control signals, allowing flexible and precise control of the piezoelectric elements. The switching section can select from multiple voltage levels (first, second, third, etc.) to achieve fine control while maintaining low power consumption operation.
4Ease of operation
If multiple voltage levels are prepared for piezoelectric element control, then fine control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple voltage levels are generated by combining capacitive elements in series and parallel configurations within the charge supply source. The switching section integrates the selection of multiple voltage levels and the connection to piezoelectric elements in a unified structure, achieving fine control while managing device complexity through functional integration.
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
The solution achieves high energy efficiency, reduces EMI, and allows for precise control of piezoelectric elements, minimizing power consumption and improving the overall performance of the print head.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element provided for the pressure chamber... by being driven in conformity with a control signal, causes a predetermined amount of ink to be discharged from the nozzles at a predetermined timing
Implementation Method 2
The charge supply source include a number n (where n is a plurality) of capacitive elements, and a switching section configured and arranged to switch between a series state where the n capacitive elements are electrically connected in series and a parallel state where the n capacitive elements are electrically connected in parallel
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge section, a charge supply source, first and second signal paths, and a connection path selection section. The connection path selection section uses the first or second signal path to electrically connect a piezoelectric element and the charge supply source. The charge supply source include a number n (where n is a plurality) of capacitive elements, and a switching section configured and arranged to switch between a series state where the n capacitive elements are electrically connected in series and a parallel state where the n capacitive elements are electrically connected in parallel. In the series state, a given first point out of connection points between the n capacitive elements is connected to the first signal path, and a second point higher than the first point out of the connection points of the n capacitive elements is connected to the second signal path.