Inkjet Recorder Piezoelectric Element Abnormal Capacitance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recorders face challenges in readily identifying malfunctions in the driving operation of nozzles due to the small capacitance of piezoelectric elements, making it difficult to detect abnormal capacitance and voltage variations effectively.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recorder with a power unit that cyclically applies a driving voltage pattern to the piezoelectric elements, acquiring a representative value corresponding to the power supplied, and detecting abnormal capacitance based on this value, allowing for the identification of malfunctions in the driving operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is applied to each piezoelectric element to detect abnormal capacitance, then malfunction detection capability is improved, but the complexity of control and detection process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by applying voltage to piezoelectric elements in groups corresponding to different nozzle sets, rather than attempting to detect all elements simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to manage the complexity of detecting abnormal capacitance in many small-capacitance elements by dividing them into manageable detection batches, thereby maintaining reliability while controlling process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by cyclically applying detection voltages to different groups of piezoelectric elements at predetermined intervals. The control unit alternates between applying detection voltages to first piezoelectric elements, then to second piezoelectric elements, creating a periodic detection rhythm that simplifies the overall control process while ensuring comprehensive malfunction detection across all elements
2Measurement precision
If detection resolution is increased to acquire sufficient voltage and current variation data, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of detection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the power supplied to piezoelectric elements as a mediator for detection. Instead of directly measuring the tiny voltage and current variations from individual small-capacitance elements, the system measures the power consumption characteristics, which aggregate the effects and provide sufficient resolution for detecting abnormal capacitance while avoiding the need for complex high-resolution voltage and current measurement circuits
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 the efficient detection of malfunctions in the inkjet recorder's driving operation, improving the identification of defective nozzles and maintaining image quality by supplementing ink ejection from faulty nozzles and reducing the need for complex detection processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric element deforming in response to an applied voltage and causing a change in pressure of ink to be supplied to the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recorder includes at least one nozzle ejecting ink, at least one piezoelectric element, a power unit, and a processor. The at least one piezoelectric element deforms in response to an applied voltage and causing a change in pressure of ink to be supplied to the nozzle. The power unit supplies power for application of a driving voltage to the piezoelectric element. The processor cyclically applies the driving voltage in accordance with a predetermined driving voltage pattern to the piezoelectric element, acquires a representative value corresponding to the power supplied by the power unit in response to the application of the driving voltage, and detects an abnormal capacitance of the piezoelectric element determined based on the representative value.