Dual Temperature Detection for Ink Discharge Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining ink discharge status in liquid discharge heads, such as those used in inkjet printing, are either complex or require time-consuming calculations, leading to inefficiencies in detecting discharge failures and affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge head with two temperature detection elements and a comparator to quickly determine the ink discharge status by comparing voltage outputs from these elements, allowing for accurate and rapid detection of normal discharge or failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature detection methods are used with complex calculation processes, then discharge status can be determined, but determination speed is slow and circuit scale becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature detection function into two separate detection elements positioned at different locations (immediately above and immediately below the heater). This segmentation allows direct comparison of temperature differences without complex calculations, enabling fast determination of discharge status while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex calculation processes (differential processing) with a simpler direct comparison method using a comparator circuit. This substitution eliminates time-consuming mathematical operations while preserving the ability to detect discharge status accurately through voltage comparison from the two temperature detection elements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calculation processes such as differential processing are executed to detect temperature decrease, then discharge status can be determined, but processing time increases and circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the temperature detection into two spatially separated elements, the patent captures temperature information at different thermal zones simultaneously. This eliminates the need for temporal differential processing, reducing both circuit complexity and processing time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single temperature element and calculating its change over time (complex method), the patent inverts the approach by using two elements and directly comparing their instantaneous temperatures (simple method). This inversion achieves the same detection goal with simpler circuitry and faster processing.
3Device complexity
If a single temperature detection element is used, then the arrangement is simple, but determination accuracy is insufficient due to dependency on various conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing temperature detection elements at specific locations with different thermal characteristics (immediately above and below the heater). Each element measures local temperature conditions, and their comparison provides accurate discharge status determination independent of overall system variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the comparator continuously compares voltages from both temperature detection elements and provides immediate discharge status information. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and accurate determination without being affected by external condition variations.
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
Enables accurate and high-speed determination of ink discharge status with a simpler arrangement, facilitating quick recovery operations and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
uses a liquid discharge head including heaters configured to generate heat energy for discharging ink
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature detection element configured to detect a temperature of the electrothermal transducer; and a second temperature detection element configured to detect a temperature of the electrothermal transducer
Implementation Method 3
When ink is normally discharged, heat is transferred from the heater together with discharged ink droplets
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of this invention is directed to determining a discharge status of liquid discharged from a liquid discharge head capable of accurately determining the discharge status of each nozzle at high speed with a simple arrangement. According to the embodiment, a base includes an electrothermal transducer configured to supply heat to liquid, a first temperature detection element configured to detect the temperature of the electrothermal transducer, and a second temperature detection element configured to detect the temperature of the same electrothermal transducer. In this case, the first and the second temperature detection elements are arranged so that at least part of each of the first and second temperature detection elements is included immediately above or below a region where the electrothermal transducer is arranged in the base.