Inkjet Address Generator for Drop Generator Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inkjet printing systems face challenges in optimizing the number of drop generators per input pad, leading to increased costs and varying printing quality and speed, as existing address generator configurations are complex and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a simplified address generator configuration that uses a combination of shift register cells, direction circuits, and logic arrays to provide address signals, allowing for efficient control of firing cells and drop ejection in inkjet printheads, thereby optimizing the number of drop generators and improving printing quality and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of drop generators per input pad is increased, then printing quality and speed are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting speedVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The address generator is designed to universally control multiple firing groups (first and second sets) using the same control pulses and select lines, allowing a single address generator architecture to efficiently manage a larger number of drop generators without requiring additional dedicated control circuits for each group, thereby improving printing speed while controlling manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the number of drop generators per input pad is increased, then printing quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidaddress generator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of first and second firing groups into a single address generator system that shares control pulses and select lines. The direction control logic combines address generation for multiple firing groups, reducing the number of separate address generators needed and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to control increased numbers of drop generators for improved printing quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If separate address generators are used for each firing group, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress control precisionVSAvoidaddress generator configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The address generator employs dynamic direction control that can switch between controlling first and second firing groups based on select pulse conditions. The direction control logic dynamically adjusts the addressing sequence and direction (forward or reverse) depending on which firing group needs to be addressed, maintaining precise control over multiple firing groups while using a single adaptable address generator rather than multiple static ones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2188130B3Fluid ejection device
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP2188130B3 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2188130B3 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2188130B3 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments of a fluid ejection device are disclosed. The device comprises a control line, a first controller and a second controller, wherein control pulse sequnecs controlling the respective controller have different timing between control pulses.