Fluid Ejection Die Signal Control Logic for Sensor Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid ejection dies face interference issues during the sensing of die and nozzle characteristics due to signals associated with operation, leading to inaccurate sensing and potential damage to sensors and sense circuitry.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of signal control logic that suppresses or filters specific signals, such as the ejection clock and array ejection data, during the sensing of die and nozzle characteristics, allowing for accurate and safe monitoring of fluid ejection die and nozzle status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signals associated with operation (ejection clock and array ejection data) are transmitted during sensing, then fluid ejection die operation is maintained, but sensing accuracy deteriorates and sensors may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor integrityVSAvoidsensing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes operation signals (ejection clock and array ejection data) from the system during the sensing period. The signal control logic detects when sensing is occurring and actively suppresses or filters out the operation signals that would otherwise interfere with sensor measurements, thereby protecting sensor integrity while maintaining sensing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively suppressing operation signals before they can interfere with sensing operations. The signal control logic is configured to detect the sensing state in advance and prevent the transmission of operation signals during this critical period, thus avoiding interference and potential sensor damage before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Measurement precision

If operation signals are suppressed during sensing, then sensing accuracy is improved and sensor damage is prevented, but fluid ejection die operation is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidejection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between operation mode and sensing mode in time-separated intervals. During designated sensing periods, operation signals are suppressed to enable accurate measurements. Between these periods, the system returns to normal operation mode, allowing continuous fluid ejection die operation while periodically monitoring sensor status without permanent interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the signal transmission state changeable based on operational requirements. The signal control logic dynamically adjusts between transmitting operation signals during ejection phases and suppressing them during sensing phases, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to current operational needs and maintain both productivity and sensing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3471964B1Fluid ejection die including signal control logic
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3471964B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3471964B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3471964B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples include a fluid ejection die. Examples comprise an array of nozzles, where each respective nozzle includes a respective fluid ejector. Examples further include at least one die sensor. Furthermore, the examples include signal control logic to suppress transmission of a first set of signals for the fluid ejection die during sensing of die characteristics with the at least one die sensor.