Inkjet Recording Apparatus Differential Waveform Driving Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet recording apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-speed printing with improved gradation due to the need for dedicated driving waveforms for different droplet sizes, leading to a complex driving circuit configuration and prolonged driving cycles.
Innovation Solution
An ink-jet recording apparatus that uses a pressure generating unit with piezoelectric material operated by differential waveforms applied to two driving electrodes, selecting from a set of driving waveforms to discharge dots of different sizes within a single pixel cycle, thereby simplifying the driving circuit configuration and reducing the driving cycle length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated driving waveforms for different droplet sizes are prepared and used within 1 pixel cycle, then dots of different sizes can be discharged to improve gradation, but the burden on the driving circuit becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single common driving waveform that can generate multiple droplet sizes through selective activation of different waveform portions. Instead of requiring separate dedicated waveforms for each droplet size, the invention makes one waveform serve multiple functions by controlling which sections (Ta-Tf) are activated, thereby reducing driving circuit complexity while maintaining gradation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the common driving waveform into multiple distinct portions (Ta, Tb, Tc,Td, Te, Tf) that can be independently activated. By dividing the waveform into selectable sections, the system can produce different droplet sizes by turning on specific combinations of these segments, eliminating the need for entirely separate waveforms for each size category.
2Device complexity
If a common driving waveform with multiple waveform portions is used for different droplet sizes, then the driving circuit configuration is simplified, but the driving cycle is prolonged due to wasted time for unused waveform portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving waveform adaptable and variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the driving cycle length by selectively activating only the necessary waveform portions required for the current droplet size requirement. This dynamic adjustment allows the waveform to be compressed or extended based on actual needs, preventing wasteful delays while maintaining circuit simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by structuring the common driving waveform as a sequence of discrete, repeatable waveform portions (Ta-Tf) that can be selectively activated. Each portion represents a complete functional unit that can be independently timed and repeated, allowing the system to optimize the periodic cycle by including only the necessary portions for each printing operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only a portion of the entire driving waveform is used in 1 pixel cycle, then different droplet sizes can be achieved with a common waveform, but time for the unused waveform portion is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating and removing the unnecessary waveform portions from the driving cycle. Instead of executing the entire common waveform regardless of need, the system extracts and activates only the specific portions (Ta-Tf) required for the current droplet size requirement, thereby eliminating time waste while preserving adaptability for different droplet sizes.
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 high-speed printing with improved gradation by simplifying the driving circuit and eliminating wasteful cycle times, allowing for efficient discharge of dots of varying sizes without extending the driving cycle.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric material is sandwiched by two driving electrodes and is subjected to deformation driving by having a driving waveform with a predetermined voltage applied between these driving electrodes, and this deformation driving expands/contracts the capacity in the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A driving waveform has a first driving waveform (PLSTM1) composed of non-GND waveform, a second driving waveform (PLSTM2) composed of a non-GND waveform different from the first driving waveform, and a third driving waveform (PLSTM0) composed of a GND waveform, and a driving voltage V1 of the first driving waveform and a driving voltage V2 of the second driving waveform is |V1|>|V2|; and the driving circuit selects at least the first driving waveform and the second driving waveform or only the first driving waveform at every predetermined time in 1 pixel cycle in accordance with the discharge data, applies this to one of the two driving electrodes of the pressure generating unit and also applies only the second driving waveform to the other so as to operate the pressure generating unit by a differential waveform between the two driving electrodes.