Inkjet Head Register Selection to Cut Rewrite Heat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharge apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, the increased number of nozzles leads to higher data bits and increased heat generation due to the charging and discharging of transistors in shift registers, which can alter ink viscosity and reduce discharge precision.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a register selection circuit that exclusively selects data for either the first or second register based on register selection data, reducing the number of register rewrites and heat generation by using a serial-to-parallel conversion circuit with multiple registers connected to a signal line, allowing for efficient data capture and conversion without simultaneous selection of multiple registers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of nozzles is increased to increase print speed, then productivity is improved, but heat generation by shift register increases due to increased number of register rewrites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shift register into multiple independent registers (first register, second register, third register, fourth register) that can be selectively activated. By segmenting the register structure and using a selection circuit to enable only the necessary registers based on nozzle group requirements, the patent reduces the total number of register rewrites and associated heat generation while maintaining support for a high number of nozzles.
2Productivity
If the number of registers in shift register is increased to support more nozzles, then productivity is improved, but heat generation by shift register increases due to increased number of rewriting times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic register selection mechanism where the selection circuit actively chooses which registers to activate based on the current printing requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively enable only the necessary registers for the current nozzle group being operated, rather than continuously maintaining all registers active, thereby reducing energy consumption and heat generation while supporting variable numbers of nozzles.
3Productivity
If the number of register rewrites is increased to handle data for more nozzles, then productivity is improved, but discharge precision deteriorates due to ink viscosity changes from heat
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the register system into multiple independently controllable registers with selective activation, the patent reduces the frequency of register rewrites. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data in enabled registers without continuous rewriting, thereby minimizing heat generation that would otherwise alter ink viscosity and compromise discharge precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the register system by implementing selective enable/disable control. Instead of continuously rewriting all registers, the system dynamically adjusts which registers are active based on current needs, changing the rewriting frequency parameter to reduce heat generation and prevent ink viscosity changes that would affect discharge precision.
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 significantly reduces power consumption and heat generation, maintaining discharge precision even with a high number of nozzles, such as 600 or more per discharge head, by minimizing register rewriting times and preventing ink viscosity changes.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric element is then displaced in accordance with a drive signal so that a vibration plate disposed between the piezoelectric element and the cavity is displaced to change the volume of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a signal line supplied with a print data signal including first data and second data; a discharge head including a plurality of nozzles including a first nozzle and a second nozzle that discharge liquid in accordance with the print data signal; a first register that is connected to the signal line, captures the first data corresponding to the first nozzle, and holds the first data; a second register that is connected to the signal line, captures the second data corresponding to the second nozzle, and holds the second data; and a register selection circuit that exclusively selects either capturing the first data by the first register or capturing the second data by the second register based on register selection data.