Circuit Substrate Terminal Distribution for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed and high-definition liquid discharge apparatuses, the increasing number of nozzles leads to concerns about signal distortion due to the complexity of driving signal waveforms, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a circuit substrate that relays control signals, including driving signals, using a configuration with fewer input terminals for the driving signal output circuit and more output terminals for the liquid discharge head, along with a driving signal selection circuit that controls signal supply to the piezoelectric elements, reducing signal distortion by optimizing terminal distribution and signal propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of nozzles in the print head is increased to achieve higher speed and higher definition printing, then the printing performance is improved, but the waveform distortion of driving signals increases due to signal propagation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit substrate is divided into two surfaces with distinct terminal groups: a first surface with a first terminal group for receiving control signals, and a second surface with a second terminal group for outputting driving signals to nozzles. This segmentation allows systematic signal distribution and reduces propagation complexity by organizing signal flow across separate surfaces, thereby maintaining waveform integrity while supporting increased nozzle counts for higher printing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit substrate acts as an intermediary between the driving signal output circuit and the liquid discharge head. It relays and distributes control signals including driving signals from the first terminal group to the second terminal group, providing a structured intermediate stage that manages signal propagation to multiple nozzles while minimizing waveform distortion through optimized terminal distribution
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control signals including driving signals are relayed through a circuit substrate to multiple nozzles, then the control capability is improved, but the signal impedance and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit substrate implements local quality by providing different terminal groups on different surfaces: the first terminal group on the first surface is optimized for receiving control signals, while the second terminal group on the second surface is optimized for outputting driving signals to nozzles. This localized optimization allows each terminal group to be designed with appropriate electrical characteristics for its specific function, reducing overall signal impedance and maintaining waveform integrity while enabling versatile control of multiple nozzles
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 effectively reduces signal distortion and impedance, ensuring accurate and reliable ink discharge with improved waveform integrity, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the liquid discharge apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element is used for an ink jet printer (liquid discharge apparatus) that prints an image or a document by discharging a liquid such as an ink. The piezoelectric element is provided to correspond to each of a plurality of nozzles in the print head (liquid discharge head). Each of the piezoelectric elements is driven in accordance with a driving signal, and thereby a predetermined amount of liquid is discharged from the nozzle at a predetermined timing
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head, a driving signal output circuit that outputs a driving signal, and a circuit substrate that is electrically coupled to the driving signal output circuit and the liquid discharge head. The circuit substrate includes a first surface, a second surface different from the first surface, a first terminal group, and a second terminal group. The first terminal group includes a plurality of first terminals and is provided on the first surface. The second terminal group includes a plurality of second terminals and is provided on the second surface. The number of first terminals which are electrically coupled to the driving signal output circuit and to which the driving signal is input is smaller than the number of second terminals which are electrically coupled to the liquid discharge head and from which the driving signal is output.