Ink Jet Print Head with Integrated Processing and Standard Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems require external control electronics for print heads, which can complicate the design and functionality of inkjet printers.
Innovation Solution
The integration of internal processing electronics within the print head, including a processing element, driver, and standardized computer interfaces like USB, allows for self-contained operation, generating necessary waveforms and control signals without an external print controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external control electronics are used in printing systems, then the print controller can generate waveforms and control signals, but the system complexity increases and the design becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control electronics previously located in a separate external print controller with the print head itself. The processing element is integrated directly into the print head, combining the waveform generation, control signal production, and ink ejection functions into a single unified device, thereby eliminating system complexity while preserving control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control electronics from the external print controller and relocates them directly into the print head. This extraction removes the intermediary component that added system complexity, allowing the print head to operate as a self-contained unit with embedded processing capabilities
2Productivity
If external print controller is used, then waveforms can be generated for drop ejection, but the print system requires multiple external components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waveform generation capabilities with the print head by integrating the processing element directly into it. This merging eliminates the need for separate external control components while maintaining the ability to generate precise waveforms for drop ejection control, thereby improving productivity without increasing complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized computer interface is implemented in print head, then connectivity is simplified, but the print head must contain all processing electronics internally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a standardized computer interface (such as USB) in the print head to enable universal connectivity with various computer systems. This standardization simplifies manufacturing and compatibility while the integrated processing element handles all necessary data processing internally, managing the complexity through functional integration rather than external components
Data Source
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AI summary
A print head, has a standardized computer interface to allow the print head to connect directly to a standard computer, an array of jets to deposit ink on a substrate in accordance with image data from the standard computer, a processing element to receive image data through the standardized computer interface, a buffer to store the image data received through the standardized computer interface and to transmit the image data to the array of jets when triggered by a dot clock, the buffer under control of the processing element and having a flexible depth of storage, and a driver to trigger individual ones of the array of jets in accordance with the image data.