Inkjet Driving Waveform Timing for Stable Droplet Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses experience deterioration in discharge performance due to manufacturing errors and temperature variations, leading to image quality degradation and discharge failures, particularly in inkjet printers.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a temperature-dependent driving signal that adjusts the driving waveform based on detected temperature, incorporating N number of discharge pulses and N−1 connection components, each maintained at a constant potential for a specific duration relative to the natural vibration period of the pressure chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a driving signal including plural discharge pulses is generated based on the natural vibration period of the pressure chamber, then discharge performance is improved, but deterioration of discharge performance occurs due to manufacturing errors and temperature variations leading to image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving signal adaptable to changing conditions. Specifically, the natural vibration period detection mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust the timing of discharge pulses based on the actual vibration state of the pressure chamber, rather than using fixed timing. This dynamic adjustment compensates for variations caused by manufacturing errors and temperature changes, maintaining reliable discharge performance across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the detection of the natural vibration period of the pressure chamber. The system measures the actual vibration characteristics and uses this information to adjust the driving signal timing. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the discharge pulses are synchronized with the actual vibration state, preventing performance deterioration due to deviations from design specifications
2Device complexity
If the driving signal uses fixed timing based on design specifications, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but discharge performance deteriorates due to manufacturing errors and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the liquid discharge apparatus to automatically detect and adapt to its own vibration characteristics. The system uses内置 sensors to measure the natural vibration period of its pressure chamber and autonomously adjusts the driving signal timing accordingly. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for complex external calibration equipment while maintaining high discharge performance despite manufacturing variations
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
Improves discharge performance by aligning the driving signal with actual vibration periods, reducing tail deterioration and wood grain defects, enhancing image quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that is configured to effect a change in a pressure of liquid within the pressure chamber according to a driving signal
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle discharging liquid as a liquid droplet; a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge section having a driving element that is driven with a driving signal. When the temperature detected by the temperature detector is a first temperature, the driving signal includes a first driving waveform. The first driving waveform includes within one cycle, N number of first discharge pulses and N−1 number of first connection components each connecting two adjacent first discharge pulses where N is not less than three. Each of the N number of first discharge pulses is a pulse whose potential changes to effect a change in a pressure of liquid within a pressure chamber such that a liquid droplet can be discharged from a nozzle. Each of the N−1 number of first connection components is a component maintained at a constant potential for a time period longer than or equal to 0.6 times a natural vibration period of the pressure chamber.