Ink-jet Head Drive Voltage Determination via Superposed Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the operating drive voltage of ink-jet heads are time-consuming and costly, requiring individual adjustments for each head, which complicates the evaluation of ejection speed and proper voltage determination.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the superposition of first and second record patterns recorded at different test voltages to visually assess whether the tentatively determined drive voltage is appropriate, using an ink-jet recording apparatus with a control system to execute this process, allowing for quick judgment on the proper drive voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the resistance value of the drive circuit is adjusted by laser trimming to determine the proper drive voltage, then the ejection speed can be precisely controlled, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a superposed pattern as a visual copy or representation of the ejection speed characteristics. By recording test patterns at different voltages and superimposing them, the system creates a visual map that copies the relationship between voltage and droplet position, enabling quick determination of optimal voltage without time-consuming iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser trimming process with an electrical measurement and visualization system. Instead of physically modifying the drive circuit resistance through laser trimming, the system electrically tests different voltages and visualizes the results through superposed patterns, substituting a fast electrical measurement process for a slow mechanical adjustment process
2Manufacturing precision
If individual adjustment is performed for each ink-jet head before mounting, then the recording quality is improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink-jet head performs its own characterization by generating test patterns that reveal its ejection characteristics. The superposed pattern method allows each head to self-identify its optimal voltage setting through visual inspection of the recorded patterns, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment equipment and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The superposed pattern method serves multiple functions: it characterizes the ink-jet head, determines optimal voltage, and provides a visual record for quality verification. This single method replaces multiple separate adjustment and measurement procedures, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precision
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 easy and rapid evaluation of ink droplet ejection speed and determination of the proper drive voltage, reducing the time and cost associated with adjusting ink-jet heads.
Implementation Method 1
an ejection mechanism which comprises a piezoelectric actuator and a pressure chamber which is communicated with the nozzles and in which a pressure change is generated by driving of the piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining an operating drive voltage of an ink-jet head which has an actuator and which ejects, as a result of driving of the actuator, ink droplets toward a recording medium during a relative movement of the ink-jet head and the recording medium for performing recording, the ink-jet head being configured such that an ejection speed of the ink droplets varies depending upon a drive voltage to be applied to the actuator, the method including: recording a first record pattern as a result of driving of the actuator by application of a tentatively determined first test voltage and a second record pattern as a result of driving of the actuator by application of a second test voltage different from the first test voltage, so that the first record pattern and the second record pattern are superposed on each other; and judging whether or not the first test voltage is proper as the operating driving voltage, based on an appearance of a superposed pattern formed by superposition of the first pattern and the second pattern on each other.