Dynamic Nozzle Testing Waveform for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle testing methods in ink jet printers face challenges in accurately determining liquid discharge failures due to ink thickening or other obstructions, especially in varying print modes, and require improvements in size reduction, cost reduction, resource efficiency, and ease of manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a head unit featuring nozzles, pressure chambers, and piezoelectric elements, where a control section applies testing waveforms to detect residual vibration, adjusting the waveform parameters based on print mode speed and resolution to ensure accurate testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed testing waveform is used for all print modes, then the testing method is simple, but the testing accuracy deteriorates when print speed or resolution changes
Solution Approach 1:
The testing waveform is made dynamic by adjusting its parameters (period, amplitude) based on the print mode. The control section determines the appropriate testing waveform parameters according to the detected print mode, allowing the testing method to adapt to different printing conditions rather than using a fixed waveform for all modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the testing waveform (specifically the period and amplitude) according to the print mode. When the print mode changes, the control section selects different waveform parameters to maintain optimal testing accuracy across varying print speeds and resolutions.
2Measurement precision
If the testing duration is extended to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but productivity deteriorates due to longer testing time
Solution Approach 1:
The testing duration is made dynamic by adjusting it according to the print mode. The control section determines the appropriate testing period based on the detected print mode, allowing shorter testing times for modes where less precision is needed and longer testing times for modes requiring higher accuracy, thus balancing productivity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial testing action by adjusting the testing duration to be sufficient for the required precision level in each print mode rather than always using maximum testing time. This ensures adequate detection accuracy while avoiding excessive testing that would reduce productivity.
3Productivity
If testing is performed at high print speed, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to shorter available testing time
Solution Approach 1:
The testing parameters are made dynamic to adapt to different print speeds. The control section adjusts the waveform period and testing duration based on the print mode detected, enabling accurate discharge failure detection even at high print speeds where the available testing time is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing waveform parameters (period, amplitude) according to the print speed and mode. At high print speeds, the system selects waveform parameters and testing durations optimized for fast printing conditions, maintaining measurement precision without sacrificing productivity.
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 appropriate nozzle testing across different print modes by optimizing testing duration, waveform amplitude, and timing signal cycles, effectively detecting discharge failures and maintaining testing precision while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of piezoelectric elements respectively provided in each of the pressure chambers. The head unit is configured and arranged to discharge the liquid from the nozzles by applying a driving signal to the piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 2
The control section is further configured to detect residual vibration using a first testing waveform in a first print mode performed at a first print speed, and to detect residual vibration using a second testing waveform in a second print mode performed at a second print speed
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a head unit and a control section. The head unit includes nozzles, pressure chambers, and piezoelectric elements. The control section is configured to determine whether or not there is a liquid discharge failure in the nozzles corresponding to the piezoelectric elements based on a detection signal obtained by applying a testing waveform included in a driving signal to the piezoelectric elements. The control section is further configured to detect residual vibration using a first testing waveform in a first print mode performed at a first print speed, and to detect residual vibration using a second testing waveform in a second print mode performed at a second print speed with the first print speed being slower than the second print speed, a period of time for testing with the first testing waveform being longer than a period of time for testing with the second testing waveform.