Piezoelectric Inkjet Drive Noise Isolation via Segmented Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing liquid discharge apparatuses face a challenge in accurately detecting temperature due to noise interference from drive signals in the piezoelectric elements, which affects detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a liquid discharge apparatus with separate piezoelectric elements and resistors for each nozzle, where the resistors are made of the same material as the electrodes and drive lines, allowing for temperature detection during non-printing periods to avoid noise interference, ensuring accurate temperature measurement without disrupting the printing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature detection is performed using a resistor in the liquid discharge head, then temperature measurement is enabled, but noise from drive signals superimposes on detection signals reducing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidnoise interference from drive signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid discharge head is divided into multiple independent discharge units, each with its own piezoelectric element and resistor. Temperature detection is performed using a resistor from a unit that is not currently discharging liquid, separating the detection function from the active discharge function to eliminate noise interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature detection is performed in advance during periods when liquid is not being discharged from the selected nozzle. By conducting measurements during non-discharge intervals, the system obtains accurate temperature data before the next discharge cycle begins, avoiding contamination from drive signal noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If temperature detection is performed during printing operations, then real-time temperature monitoring is achieved, but noise from drive signals interferes with detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting throughputVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple nozzles serve dual purposes: some are actively discharging liquid for printing while others are used for temperature detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain continuous printing operations while periodically performing accurate temperature measurements using non-discharging nozzles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The printing process continues uninterrupted while temperature detection is performed using a different nozzle that is not currently in use for discharge. This ensures continuous productivity while obtaining periodic temperature measurements without interrupting the main printing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If the same material is used for electrodes, drive lines, and temperature detection resistors, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but temperature detection accuracy is compromised by electrical noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoidtemperature detection signal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

While all conductive elements are made from the same material for manufacturing consistency, the system exploits local differences in electrical properties. The resistor's high resistance creates a voltage divider effect that allows temperature detection signals to be distinguished from low-impedance drive signals, enabling accurate measurement despite material uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables precise temperature detection without noise interference, maintaining print quality and throughput by isolating temperature measurement from the drive signals during printing operations.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element that applies a pressure to a liquid in a pressure chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a resistor for measuring a temperature of the liquid in the pressure chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20240227390A1Drive Method Of Liquid Discharge Apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided a drive method of a liquid discharge apparatus including a first liquid discharge section having a first piezoelectric element applying a pressure to a liquid in a first pressure chamber be communicated with a first nozzle, a first drive line coupled to the first piezoelectric element, and a first resistor that is configured to measure a temperature of the liquid in the first pressure chamber, a second liquid discharge section having a second piezoelectric element applying a pressure to a liquid in a second pressure chamber be communicated with a second nozzle. The method includes: detecting a potential of first resistor when a state of a potential applied to the first drive line is in a state of causing no liquid to be discharged from the first nozzle, during an execution period of a first printing process of printing a first image on a recording medium.