Inkjet Nozzle Residual Vibration Detection Using Multi-Stage Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet printers face challenges in accurately detecting residual vibrations without discharging ink, particularly when using inspection pulses with small amplitudes, which results in insufficient excitation force and inaccurate detection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus with a piezoelectric element and a driving signal generation unit that applies a driving signal with specific electric potential shifts to apply a large excitation force to the ink, allowing for residual vibration detection without ink discharge, by shifting from a first electric potential to a second and then to a third electric potential, maintaining the third potential to control internal pressure and prevent ink discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an inspection pulse with a small amplitude is applied to the piezoelectric element to prevent ink discharge during inspection, then ink discharge is avoided, but the excitation force given to the ink is small and the residual vibration cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a multi-stage dynamic voltage signal to the piezoelectric element that changes over time. The signal starts with a first voltage level, transitions to a second voltage level to generate strong residual vibration, then transitions to a third voltage level to prevent ink discharge while maintaining detection capability. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the system to achieve both strong excitation for accurate detection and prevention of harmful ink discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the piezoelectric element in three distinct stages: first voltage level for initial state, second voltage level for strong excitation, and third voltage level for preventing discharge. By dynamically changing the voltage parameter, the system resolves the contradiction between needing strong excitation force for accurate detection and preventing ink discharge during inspection.
2Measurement precision
If a large amplitude inspection pulse is applied to generate strong residual vibration for accurate detection, then residual vibration detection accuracy is improved, but ink is discharged and the recording medium is stained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a periodic multi-stage voltage signal applied to the piezoelectric element. The signal periodically transitions through three voltage levels: first level, second level for strong excitation, and third level for preventing discharge. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve strong residual vibration generation followed by discharge prevention, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and avoiding harmful ink discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the voltage level applied to the piezoelectric element in three stages: starting at first voltage level, transitioning to second voltage level to generate strong residual vibration for accurate detection, then transitioning to third voltage level to prevent ink discharge. This dynamic voltage control enables the system to achieve both strong excitation and discharge prevention.
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 detection of residual vibrations with a large amplitude without ink discharge, enhancing the accuracy of discharge state inspection and maintaining normal printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration is given to the ink inside the cavity by using a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a behavior of the ink is detected with respect to a residual vibration thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus including: a nozzle which discharges a liquid; a pressure chamber which communicates with the nozzle; a piezoelectric element which is provided in order to discharge the liquid corresponding to the pressure chamber; a driving signal generation unit which generates a driving signal in order to drive the piezoelectric element; and a residual vibration detection unit which detects a residual vibration. The driving signal generation unit generates a driving signal for inspection which is a first electric potential during a first period, is a second electric potential during a second period, is a third electric potential during a third period, is shifted from the first electric potential to the second electric potential, and is shifted from the second electric potential to the third electric potential. The third electric potential is an electric potential between the first electric potential and the second electric potential.