Liquid Ejection Head Vibration Detection Cycle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, require long unit periods to both drive and detect vibrations in ejection portions, leading to inefficiencies in the ejection process.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head and apparatus that utilize a check drive signal with a specific waveform to drive the ejection portion in a first unit period and detect remaining vibrations in a second unit period, allowing for shorter overall cycle times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the unit period is extended to execute both driving and vibration detection, then the ejection state can be checked, but the ejection cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the unit period into two separate unit periods: the first unit period for driving the ejection portion with a check drive signal, and the second unit period for detecting vibrations. This segmentation allows each function to be performed in dedicated time slots, enabling reliable ejection state checking while maintaining efficient cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the driving action in the first unit period before the detection action in the second unit period. By executing the drive signal first and then detecting the resulting vibrations in a subsequent period, the system ensures that the ejection portion is fully actuated before measurement begins, improving detection accuracy without extending the overall operational cycle unduly.
2Productivity
If the unit period is shortened to improve efficiency, then the ejection cycle is faster, but it becomes difficult to complete both driving and detection
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the operations into two distinct unit periods, the patent enables both driving and detection to be completed within a short overall timeframe. Each period is optimized for its specific function, allowing efficient execution without compromising the completeness of either the driving or detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by using sequential unit periods that repeat in a regular cycle. The first unit period for driving and the second unit period for detection form a periodic pattern that can be continuously repeated, maintaining high productivity while ensuring that both driving and detection are fully completed in each cycle.
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
This approach enables faster and more efficient ejection processes by separating the driving and detection phases, thereby reducing the overall time required for each unit period.
Implementation Method 1
a check drive signal having a check waveform of a drive signal in a first unit period... and detect a vibration remaining in the ejection portion in a second unit period
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head includes an ejection portion ejecting a liquid in response to supply of a drive signal, a supply unit supplying the drive signal to the ejection portion, and a detection unit detecting a vibration in the ejection portion, wherein the supply unit supplies a check drive signal having a check waveform of the drive signal to the ejection portion in a first unit period started by a first latch pulse of latch pulses contained in a latch signal supplied to the supply unit and ended by a second latch pulse provided next to the first latch pulse of the latch pulses, and the detection unit detects a vibration remaining in the ejection portion in a second unit period started by the second latch pulse and ended by a third latch pulse provided next to the second latch pulse of the latch pulses.