Piezoelectric Ink Viscosity Detection by Threshold Vibration Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face issues with ink ejection due to increased viscosity in the pressure chamber, necessitating complex peak value detection processing to address this problem.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection apparatus that includes a residual vibration detection circuit and a control system to count the number of times an electric signal exceeds a threshold, allowing for simple detection of viscosity based on this count, thereby simplifying the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If peak value detection processing is used to detect liquid viscosity, then viscosity detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for viscosity detection by counting threshold exceedances in the electric signal, rather than performing complex peak value detection. This simplifies the processing while retaining the ability to detect viscosity changes accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of detecting all peak values in the signal, the patent uses a threshold-based counting method that only registers significant exceedances. This partial detection approach reduces processing complexity while maintaining sufficient accuracy for viscosity detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If complex peak value detection processing is implemented, then viscosity detection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection processing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the count of threshold exceedances from the electric signal, discarding unnecessary signal processing steps. This makes the operation simpler while maintaining viscosity detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex signal processing operations with a simpler threshold comparison and counting mechanism, reducing operational complexity while preserving detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If simple threshold counting is used to detect viscosity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection processing simplicityVSAvoidviscosity detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses threshold-based counting that captures sufficient information for viscosity detection without requiring complete signal analysis. This partial action approach maintains adequate precision while simplifying the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from peak value magnitude to threshold exceedance count. This parameter transformation simplifies the detection mechanism while maintaining the ability to accurately reflect viscosity changes through the count variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables accurate and efficient detection of ink viscosity in the pressure chamber, improving ink ejection quality and reducing the need for complex peak value detection processing.

Implementation Method 1

The piezoelectric element changes the pressure in the pressure chamber in response to an input of a drive signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an electric signal output from the piezoelectric element and corresponding to vibration generated in the pressure chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12472740B2Liquid ejection apparatus and liquid viscosity detection method capable of detecting viscosity of liquid

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A liquid ejection apparatus includes a nozzle, a pressure chamber, a piezoelectric element, a count processing portion, and a detection processing portion. The nozzle ejects a liquid. The pressure chamber communicates with the nozzle and contains the liquid. The piezoelectric element changes a pressure in the pressure chamber in response to an input of a drive signal. The count processing portion counts a number of times that an electric signal output from the piezoelectric element and corresponding to vibration generated in the pressure chamber in response to the input of the drive signal to the piezoelectric element exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The detection processing portion detects a viscosity of the liquid contained in the pressure chamber, based on a count result of the count processing portion.