Floating Amplifier Signal Line Sets for Liquid Ejecting Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in suppressing the ejection cycle length and reducing inductance due to the unequal absolute values of current waveforms on the supply and return lines of signal line sets, which are exacerbated by the electrical connection of amplifiers to the main power supply's ground.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a configuration with multiple amplifiers, each having a signal line set with a supply line and a return line, where the amplifiers are electrically floating, and the signal line sets are designed to balance the current waveforms, reducing inductance and allowing for efficient ejection cycles by isolating the amplifiers from the main power supply using transformers and resistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If amplifiers are electrically connected to the main power supply's ground, then the circuit design is simpler and more stable, but the inductance increases and the ejection cycle length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection system into multiple independent signal line sets, each with its own supply line and return line. Each amplifier is electrically isolated from the main ground and connected only through its dedicated signal line set, segmenting the current paths to reduce inductance while maintaining circuit stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal line sets as intermediary elements between the amplifiers and the main power supply ground. These signal line sets act as mediators that allow electrical connection while maintaining isolation, reducing the inductance effect compared to direct ground connection.
2Device complexity
If amplifiers are electrically connected to the main power supply's ground, then the circuit design is simpler, but the inductance increases causing noise and static electricity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection into multiple independent signal line sets, each handling specific amplifier connections. This segmentation reduces the inductance of each individual path while distributing the complexity across multiple standardized modules, making the overall design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameter from direct ground connection to isolated connection through signal line sets. This parameter change reduces the inductance value while the standardized design of signal line sets keeps the overall circuit complexity controlled.
3Productivity
If signal line sets are used for each amplifier, then the inductance is reduced and ejection cycle is shortened, but the current waveform balance becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making all signal line sets have identical structures with matched supply lines and return lines. This standardized design ensures that current waveform balance is maintained across all amplifiers, as each signal line set behaves consistently with the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the signal line sets to maintain equipotential relationships between supply and return lines, ensuring balanced current waveforms. The symmetric layout and matched impedance of each signal line set help maintain electrical balance despite the isolated amplifier connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejection head, a plurality of amplifiers, and a plurality of signal line sets. The liquid ejection head has a plurality of actuators. The plurality of amplifiers is configured to amplify driving signals supplied to each of the plurality of actuators. The plurality of signal line sets is provided for respective ones of the plurality of amplifiers. Each of the plurality of signal line sets includes a supply line and a return line. The supply line is configured to supply the driving signals amplified by a corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers to the plurality of actuators. The return line is configured to return the driving signals to the corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers. Each of the plurality of amplifiers is electrically floating.