Ink Jet Printer Piezoelectric Element Timing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The structural cross-talk phenomenon in ink jet printers, where simultaneous deformation of adjacent piezoelectric elements leads to reduced ink discharge and unstable printing, occurs due to the interference between piezoelectric elements, affecting the amount of ink deposited on the print medium.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a timing difference in the deformation of adjacent element lines to prevent the structural cross-talk phenomenon, ensuring that each element line deforms at a unique timing to minimize interference and maintain consistent ink discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common piezoelectric sheet is used across multiple pressure chambers, then device complexity is reduced, but structural cross-talk occurs between adjacent piezoelectric elements causing unstable ink discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common piezoelectric sheet into multiple independent piezoelectric elements, each corresponding to a specific pressure chamber and nozzle. This segmentation allows independent control of each element, preventing structural cross-talk while maintaining the benefit of using a shared piezoelectric material layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different drive signals to different regions (piezoelectric elements) of the piezoelectric sheet based on their specific operational requirements. Each element can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing precise local control of ink discharge while preventing interference between adjacent elements.
2Productivity
If adjacent piezoelectric elements are deformed simultaneously, then printing speed is improved, but structural cross-talk reduces the deformation amount and ink discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary timing adjustments to the drive signals of adjacent piezoelectric elements, creating a time difference in their deformation. This preliminary action prevents structural cross-talk before it occurs, ensuring each element achieves full deformation amplitude while maintaining high-speed printing through coordinated sequential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic drive signals with carefully controlled timing relationships between adjacent piezoelectric elements. By creating a periodic pattern where elements deform in a coordinated sequence rather than simultaneously, the system maintains high printing speed while preventing cross-talk interference.
3Productivity
If multiple piezoelectric elements are controlled to discharge ink simultaneously, then printing efficiency is improved, but cross-talk causes unstable ink distribution and dot formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary timing offsets to the drive signals of multiple piezoelectric elements before they discharge ink. This ensures that elements deform and discharge ink in a coordinated sequence rather than simultaneously, preventing cross-talk interference and ensuring uniform ink distribution while maintaining high printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements control mechanisms that monitor and adjust the timing and amplitude of drive signals to multiple piezoelectric elements. This feedback control ensures that each element operates independently without cross-talk interference, maintaining uniform ink distribution even when multiple elements are actively discharging ink.
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 effectively prevents the structural cross-talk phenomenon, resulting in improved ink distribution and satisfactory printing by ensuring that each nozzle discharges the correct amount of ink, reducing the formation of continuous large or small dots on the print medium.
Implementation Method 1
When the piezoelectric element is deformed toward a pressure chamber, capacity of the pressure chamber decreases. Then the ink within the pressure chamber is pressurized, and the pressurized ink is discharged from the nozzle.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer is provided with an ink jet head and a controller. The ink jet head prints on a print medium by discharging ink. The ink jet head comprises a plurality of units. Each unit comprises a nozzle for discharging ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a piezoelectric element facing the pressure chamber. The piezoelectric elements form at least two element lines. Each element line is formed by at least two piezoelectric elements aligned in a first direction. Each element line is aligned in a sec direction which is different from the first direction. The controller controls the ink jet head to print on the print medium by changing voltage applied to each piezoelectric element of the ink jet head. The controller controls timings at which the controller changes voltage applied to each piezoelectric element by the element line. It is preferred that a timing at which the controller changes voltage applied to one of the two adjacent element lines is different from a timing at which the controller changes voltage applied to the other of the two adjacent element lines.