Liquid Ejection Head Pulse Control for Smaller Drive Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads using both ejection and flow energy generating elements face circuit size challenges due to complex driving pulse and timing requirements, leading to increased circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design that incorporates both ejection and flow energy generating elements with optimized circuit configuration, reducing circuit size by employing a straight type flow passage arrangement and synchronized driving pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate driving circuits are provided for ejection energy generating elements and flow energy generating elements with time-division control, then driving precision is improved, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving circuits for ejection energy generating elements and flow energy generating elements into a single integrated circuit. The control unit selectively applies driving pulses to different energy generating elements based on their operational requirements, merging previously separate circuits while maintaining precise control through selective activation rather than physical separation
Solution Approach 2:
The driving circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both ejection operations and flow circulation operations. The control unit can selectively drive either ejection energy generating elements or flow energy generating elements using the same circuit infrastructure, making the circuit universal for multiple functions without requiring dedicated separate circuits for each function type
2Productivity
If multiple energy generating elements are driven with different driving pulses and timing, then ejection performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts driving parameters including pulse width, amplitude, and timing based on real-time operational requirements. The system can flexibly modify driving conditions for different energy generating elements without fixed predetermined settings, enabling adaptive optimization of ejection performance while managing complexity through software-based dynamic control rather than hardwired complex circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in driving pulses (such as pulse width modulation and amplitude adjustment) to optimize the performance of different energy generating elements. By varying electrical parameters rather than creating physically different circuits, the system achieves differentiated control for ejection and flow elements while maintaining circuit simplicity
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 design achieves a reduction in circuit size while maintaining stable ink ejection and preventing ink concentration at the ejection ports, enhancing ejection stability and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrothermal conversion element that generates energy for ejecting the liquid
Implementation Method 2
generates energy for ejecting the liquid by forming a bubble in the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a flow energy generating element disposed in the flow passage... generates a circulation flow of the liquid in the flow passage
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A liquid ejection head (1) includes a first individual ejection unit, a second individual ejection unit, and a common flow passage (38) for supplying liquid. The first individual ejection unit and the second individual ejection unit each include an ejection port (11), a pressure chamber (12), a first energy generating element (14) that is provided in the pressure chamber, an individual flow passage (23) that communicates with the pressure chamber (12), and a second energy generating element (24) that is provided in the individual flow passage (23). The liquid ejection head (1) is characterized in that the first and second energy generating elements in each ejection unit are controlled differently for each individual ejection unit at a common driving timing, by a common driving pulse.