Inkjet Nozzle Drive Waveform Correction via Residual Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording devices face challenges in maintaining image quality due to the inability to correct driving voltage for each nozzle based on detected residual oscillation waveforms, leading to issues like uneven density, stripes, and color changes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet discharge device with pressure chambers, oscillation plates, pressure generating elements, a drive waveform generator, and a residual oscillation detector that corrects drive waveform data for each nozzle in real-time based on detected residual oscillations, allowing for accurate ink viscosity determination and optimized ink discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time detection and correction of drive waveform data is implemented for each nozzle, then image quality is enhanced and consistent ink discharge is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting residual oscillation waveforms from each pressure chamber and using this information to correct drive waveform data in real-time. The residual oscillation detector monitors the oscillation state after ink discharge, and the controller adjusts the drive waveform based on detected variations, creating a closed-loop system that maintains consistent ink discharge characteristics despite viscosity changes or nozzle variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the residual oscillation signal inherently present in the pressure chamber as a self-diagnostic indicator. Rather than requiring external test mechanisms, the system leverages the natural oscillation that occurs during normal operation to automatically detect and correct drive waveform deviations, enabling self-adjustment without external intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If drive waveform correction is performed for each nozzle based on residual oscillation, then ink discharge consistency is improved, but processing time increases due to additional detection and correction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs residual oscillation detection and drive waveform correction continuously during the printing operation without interrupting the ink discharge process. The detection and correction occur in real-time as part of the normal printing cycle, eliminating the need for separate calibration steps and maintaining continuous productive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive waveform correction is performed proactively based on detected residual oscillation patterns before significant image quality degradation occurs. By continuously monitoring and adjusting drive waveforms, the system prevents inconsistencies rather than correcting them after they manifest in the output.
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 enhances image quality by suppressing abnormal images and maintaining consistent ink discharge, even with varying ink viscosity, thereby improving the overall performance of inkjet recording devices.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element for applying pressure to ink inside the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
an oscillation plate that is disposed over the pressure chambers, so that an elastic wall of each of the pressure chambers is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid droplet discharge device includes pressure chambers in communication with nozzles, wherein the pressure chambers are for storing ink; an oscillation plate that is disposed over the pressure chambers, so that an elastic wall of each of the pressure chambers is formed; pressure generating elements that are disposed to face the pressure chambers through the oscillation plate; a drive waveform generator for generating, for each of the nozzles, a drive waveform by using drive waveform data that indicates a shape of the drive waveform for driving the corresponding pressure generating element; a residual oscillation detector for detecting residual oscillation that is generated in each of the pressure chambers after driving the pressure generating elements; and a controller for correcting, during printing, the drive waveform data for each of the nozzles, based on a detection result by the residual oscillation detector.