Ejection Head Group Selection for Independent Ink Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face challenges in independently controlling either the ejector driver elements or the circulator driver elements due to increased data transfer requirements when selecting each element individually, leading to potential ejection defects from ink thickening and increased flow resistance.
Innovation Solution
A configuration that allows independent control of either the ejector driver element or the circulator driver element by using a group selection circuit to select multiple ejector or circulator modules simultaneously, reducing data transfer by enabling independent operation based on operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual selection of each ejector driver element and circulator driver element is implemented, then independent control capability is improved, but data transfer amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver elements are divided into two distinct groups: ejector driver elements for ink ejection and circulator driver elements for ink circulation. Each group has its own selection mechanism, allowing independent control while reducing the complexity of individual element selection. The segmentation enables the system to handle multiple elements of the same type simultaneously without requiring separate data transfer for each individual element.
2Loss of information
If circulator driver element is selected in response to ejector driver element selection, then data transfer amount is reduced, but independent operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The selection mechanism is made dynamic through the operation mode signal that can switch between different operational states. In ejection operation mode, ejector driver elements are selected; in circulation operation mode, circulator driver elements are selected. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt its selection behavior based on the current operation mode, enabling independent control while maintaining reduced data transfer requirements.
3Device complexity
If only one driver element type can be selected at a time, then data transfer is simplified, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection head is designed with multi-functionality to perform both ink ejection and ink circulation operations. The selection mechanism universally handles both ejector driver elements and circulator driver elements through a unified operation mode signal. This universal selection approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the flexibility to perform different operations by switching between operation modes.
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 independent operation of ejector or circulator driver elements, reducing data transfer and minimizing ejection defects by allowing selective control of ink circulation and ejection, thus maintaining ink landing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a circulator module (102) includes a circulator driver element (MD2) and a heater element (RhB)
Implementation Method 2
causes the ink to circulate in the circulation channel (4b) by generating a bubble with the heater element (RhB)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
An ejection head includes multiple ejector modules (101) each including an ejector driver element (MD1) and an ejector heater (RhA) capable of connecting with the ejector driver element (MD1); multiple circulator modules (102) each arranged in a pair with the ejector module (101), and including a circulator driver element (MD2) and a circulator heater (RhB) capable of connecting with the circulator driver element (MD2); a group selection circuit (112, 113) configured to select at least one ejector group from among ejector groups into which the multiple ejector modules (101) are divided by a predetermined number, and select at least one circulator group from among circulator groups into which the multiple circulator modules (102) are divided by the predetermined number; and a control unit configured to determine whether or not to enable each of the selections by the group selection circuit (112, 113) based on an operation mode.