Inkjet Head Driving Circuit With Dynamic Switch Staging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet head driving circuits face challenges in preventing unwanted high-frequency vibrations in actuators, which can degrade printing quality.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet head driving circuit incorporates a waveform pattern generation unit that adjusts the number of switch elements turned on during different sections of the driving waveform, thereby controlling the actuator's expansion and contraction to prevent high-frequency vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the driving waveform changes are made faster to improve actuator response speed, then the response speed is improved, but unwanted high-frequency vibrations occur that deteriorate printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switch element configuration adjustable and time-dependent. The number of switch elements connected in parallel is dynamically changed during different time periods of the driving waveform cycle, allowing the circuit to adapt its characteristics to prevent high-frequency vibrations while maintaining fast response speed when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the driving circuit by varying the number of switch elements (e.g., MOSFETs) connected in parallel during different time periods. This parameter change modifies the output impedance and current delivery characteristics of the circuit, enabling suppression of high-frequency vibrations without sacrificing overall response speed.
2Power
If more switch elements are connected in parallel to increase driving power, then the driving power is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch elements into multiple groups that can be independently controlled. Instead of having all switch elements connected in parallel at all times, the circuit divides them into separate controllable units, allowing selective activation based on the driving waveform phase and vibration suppression requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the switch element configuration dynamic by changing which switch elements are connected in parallel during different time periods of the driving cycle. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the circuit to optimize power delivery when needed while reducing complexity and vibration risk during other phases.
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 inhibits unwanted high-frequency vibrations, thereby maintaining or improving printing quality by allowing for precise control of the actuator's operation.
Implementation Method 1
For the actuator, a piezoelectric actuator is normally used
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an inkjet head driving circuit includes a waveform pattern generation unit configured to generate a waveform pattern based on input data and a driving waveform generation unit configured to generate a driving waveform for driving an actuator of an inkjet head based on the generated waveform pattern. The driving waveform generation unit includes a power source configured to supply a driving voltage for the actuator, a plurality of switch elements for connecting the power source to the actuator, and a driving waveform output unit that outputs the driving waveform to the actuator by switching of the plurality of switch elements based on the waveform pattern. The waveform pattern changes the number of switch elements that are turned on in a section of the driving waveform within one cycle of the driving waveform for causing the actuator to eject an ink droplet.