Inkjet Head Voltage Control for Velocity-Dependent Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses face degradation in image quality due to changes in carriage velocity, which affect the meniscus position and discharge amount of ink, leading to uneven image density and potential short supply of ink during recording.
Innovation Solution
The image recording apparatus adjusts the voltage level of the driving signal based on carriage velocity, using a first voltage level for normal velocity and a second, higher voltage level for low velocity, and corrects discharge data to maintain consistent ink discharge amounts regardless of velocity, thereby preventing image quality degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the carriage velocity is reduced to ensure stable ink discharge, then the image quality can be maintained, but the recording time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving signal voltage level adjustable based on carriage velocity. The system transitions from a static fixed voltage to a dynamic voltage that adapts to changing carriage speeds, allowing optimal ink discharge at both low and high velocities without compromising image quality or requiring reduced speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage level parameter of the driving signal according to carriage velocity. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system maintains consistent ink discharge characteristics across different recording speeds, resolving the contradiction between maintaining image quality and reducing recording time.
2Quantity of substance
If the driving signal voltage level is increased to compensate for shorter unit recording period at high velocity, then the discharge amount can be maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the voltage level parameter dynamically based on carriage velocity. At high velocities, a higher voltage level is applied to maintain discharge amount, while at lower velocities, a lower voltage level suffices. This parameter adaptation optimizes the balance between maintaining discharge quantity and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by applying voltage levels that are higher than the base level only when necessary (at high carriage velocities). This selective application of excessive voltage ensures adequate discharge amount only when required, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during normal-speed operation.
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 approach ensures consistent ink discharge and maintains image quality by adjusting voltage levels and discharge data in response to varying carriage velocities, preventing short supply issues and ensuring uniform image density.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric layer, an individual electrode and a common electrode which are arranged to sandwich the piezoelectric layer therebetween, and is configured to apply pressure to the ink inside the pressure chamber in a case that a predetermined driving pulse (driving signal) is applied to the individual electrode
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image recording apparatus including: a head; a driving element; a controller configured to output, to the driving element, a driving signal having a first voltage level or a second voltage level greater than the first voltage level; and a moving mechanism causing one of the recording medium and the head to move relative to the other of the recording medium and the head. The controller sets the voltage level of the driving signal to be the first voltage level in a case that the controller causes the head to move relative to the recording medium at the first velocity; and the controller sets the voltage level of the driving signal to be the second voltage level in a case that the controller causes the head to move relative to the recording medium at the second velocity.