Linear Regulator Voltage Control for Print Head Thermal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional print-head-voltage controlling devices using three-terminal regulators face deterioration due to excessive heat generation, especially when the voltage difference between the IN and OUT terminals is high, leading to instability in driving voltages and potential circuit damage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting device with a power supply section, linear regulators, and a head-temperature sensor that dynamically adjusts the source voltage and driving voltages based on temperature measurements to control the output and operation of the device, stopping operations when the voltage difference exceeds an acceptable value to prevent excessive heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage difference between the IN terminal and the OUT terminal of the three-terminal regulator is set to a fixed voltage (e.g., 1.5V) or higher to obtain stable outputs, then the driving voltages become stable, but the amount of heat generation in the three-terminal regulator becomes too large when the source voltage is high, causing circuit deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control by switching between multiple linear regulators (first, second, third regulators) based on detected head temperature. The controller selects different driving voltages from a voltage table corresponding to the temperature range, thereby dynamically adjusting the voltage difference across the linear regulator to prevent excessive heat generation while maintaining stable output voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (driving voltages) based on temperature conditions. By storing multiple sets of driving voltages in a voltage table corresponding to different temperature ranges and selecting the appropriate set based on detected temperature, the system adjusts the voltage parameter to keep the voltage difference within an acceptable range, preventing overheating while ensuring stable operation.
2Reliability
If a targeted driving voltage becomes too low to achieve stable outputs, then the step-down amount (regulating amount) becomes large, but this increases the amount of heat generation in the three-terminal regulator and can deteriorate the circuit with heat
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects driving voltages from a pre-stored voltage table based on the detected head temperature. By adjusting the driving voltage dynamically according to temperature conditions, the system optimizes the step-down amount to minimize heat generation while maintaining sufficient voltage stability for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller detects the head temperature and uses this feedback information to select the appropriate driving voltage from the voltage table. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the driving voltage is optimized based on actual thermal conditions, preventing excessive heat generation while maintaining stable output voltages.
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 effectively reduces heat generation in linear regulators, thereby preventing circuit deterioration and ensuring stable operations by dynamically adjusting voltages according to temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a head-temperature sensor configured to measure temperature of the liquid ejecting head
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of linear regulators is configured to step down the source voltage to respective driving voltages of the plurality of driving sections
Implementation Method 3
If this voltage becomes too high, there is a possibility that the circuit of the three-terminal regulator is deteriorated because the amount of heat generation in the three-terminal regulator becomes too large
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply section includes a switching regulator. A plurality of linear regulators is provided for respective ones of a plurality of driving sections. The linear regulators step down a source voltage to respective driving voltages of the driving sections and supply the respective driving sections with the driving voltages. A head-temperature sensor measures temperature of a liquid ejecting head. A controller determines the source voltage and the driving voltages based on the temperature, and controls the power supply section, the linear regulators, and the driving sections to stop at least one of outputting of the source voltage by the power supply section, supplying of the driving voltages by the linear regulators, and driving of the driving sections, when a voltage difference is larger than or equal to an acceptable value. The voltage difference is a difference between the source voltage and a minimum voltage of the driving voltages.