Inkjet Head Power Supply Abnormality Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in identifying the cause of ink ejection abnormalities without consuming ink, leading to unnecessary clogging detection and component replacement, as known technologies cannot check for abnormalities without ejecting ink.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first board with a control circuit and sensing circuit unit, and a second board with a driving voltage generator and driver circuit, allowing for the generation and application of a driving voltage to control ink ejection and sense abnormalities in the power supply, enabling identification of issues without ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clogging detection processing is performed by ejecting ink, then nozzle clogging can be detected, but ink is consumed and the cause of abnormalities cannot be identified without actually ejecting ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing clogging detection processing before actual printing operations. The system detects nozzle abnormalities in advance by analyzing image data patterns that indicate potential clogging, allowing users to address issues before they affect print quality. This prevents ink waste on detection operations and enables proactive maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ink ejection method with an electronic/image-based detection system. Instead of physically ejecting ink to check for clogging, the system uses image data analysis to infer nozzle status. This substitution eliminates ink consumption for detection purposes while maintaining the ability to identify abnormalities.
2Reliability
If clogging detection processing is performed, then nozzle status can be checked, but the cause of abnormalities cannot be identified leading to unnecessary head replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing detailed diagnostic information about detected abnormalities. The system analyzes image data to identify specific patterns indicating clogging, and provides feedback about the nature and location of issues. This enables users to understand the actual cause of problems rather than simply knowing that something is wrong, reducing unnecessary head replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color or intensity variations in image data to indicate different abnormality conditions. By analyzing changes in pixel values, color distributions, or intensity patterns in printed test images, the system can distinguish between different types of nozzle issues (e.g., partial clogging vs. complete blockage, different nozzle groups affected). This provides rich diagnostic information about the cause of abnormalities without requiring ink ejection.
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
This solution allows for quick identification of power supply abnormalities and other issues within the apparatus, reducing unnecessary component replacements and improving diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
For the nozzle, there is provided a piezoelectric element to cause the nozzle to eject ink. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, a pressure is applied to the nozzle.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus has a head, a first board, and a second board. The head has a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of driving elements. The first board includes a control circuit and a sensing circuit unit. The second board includes a driving voltage generator and a driver circuit. The driver circuit makes ink ejected. The driving voltage generator and the driver circuit are connected together via a first power supply line. The sensing circuit unit is connected to the first power supply line and outputs a first sensing signal. Based on the first sensing signal, the control circuit senses an abnormality in power supply on the second board.