Circuit Device Signal Assignment for Droplet Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of wiring on relay boards in inkjet recording apparatuses increases due to the need for multiple input signal lines, leading to the use of multi-layer circuit boards, which complicates the configuration and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A circuit device with input terminals, a receiving unit, a switching unit, and a transfer unit that receives and switches input signals, including a terminal arrangement signal, to efficiently assign and transfer drive signals to actuator elements, simplifying the layer structure of the circuit board and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input signal lines are arranged to drive multiple heads with a single driver IC, then the driver IC can control multiple droplet ejection heads, but the wiring on the relay board becomes complicated and multi-layer circuit boards are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the terminal arrangement signalizable, allowing the relay board to dynamically change signal assignments based on the terminal arrangement signal. This enables a single driver IC to adaptively control multiple droplet ejection heads with different terminal arrangements without requiring fixed complex wiring for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signal assignment by introducing terminal arrangement signals that indicate different terminal arrangements. The relay board receives these signals and changes its wiring configuration accordingly, allowing the same physical board to support multiple driver IC configurations without requiring multi-layer structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of input signal lines is increased to implement complicated driver IC control, then the driver IC control functionality is enhanced, but the relay board requires more layers and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the relay board universal by enabling it to handle multiple driver IC types through terminal arrangement signals. The same relay board can be used with different driver IC configurations (e.g., different terminal arrangements) without requiring additional layers or redesign, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining enhanced control functionality
3Reliability
If a multi-layer circuit board is used to accommodate complicated wiring, then the relay board can transmit signals between apparatus body and movable unit, but the configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing reconfigurable wiring on the relay board that can adapt to different terminal arrangements through terminal arrangement signals. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the board to maintain reliable signal transmission for multiple driver IC types without requiring the complex fixed wiring of multi-layer boards
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 simplifies the layer structure of the circuit board by allowing flexible signal assignment, reducing the number of layers required and thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining efficient ink ejection from nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
a scheme that uses a piezoelectric actuator or the like and a scheme that uses a heating element that generates heat when electric current flows therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a scheme that uses a heating element that generates heat when electric current flows therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit device drives actuator elements respectively associated with a plurality of nozzles to cause droplets to be ejected from the nozzles. The circuit device includes input terminals; a receiving unit; a switching unit; and a transfer unit. The receiving unit receives, via the input terminals, input signals including a terminal arrangement signal and drive signals for driving the actuator elements. The terminal arrangement signal indicates a type of assignment of signals to be assigned to the input terminals. The switching unit switches the assignment of signals in accordance with the terminal arrangement signal. The transfer unit transfers, to the actuator elements, drive signals that are input to the input terminals after the assignment of signals has been switched.