Liquid Discharge Apparatus Micro-Vibration Waveform Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face instability and image defects when using non-standard inks, leading to issues like image density fluctuations and missing images during continuous or intermittent printing.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to select indirect information about the liquid discharge status, enabling the control unit to adjust the strength of the micro-vibration waveform based on this information, ensuring appropriate ink discharge even with non-standard liquids by changing the residual vibration patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed micro-vibration waveform is used for standard ink, then the ink discharge is optimized for standard ink, but image defects occur when using non-standard ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the micro-vibration waveform parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on the actual ink characteristics. The control unit modifies the micro-vibration drive signal in real-time according to the ink type detected or selected, transforming the fixed waveform approach into a dynamic, adaptive system that optimizes performance for each ink variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the micro-vibration waveform (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) to match different ink characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system adapts to variations in ink viscosity, surface tension, and other properties of non-standard inks, thereby maintaining stable image quality across different ink types.
2Reliability
If micro-vibration amplitude is increased to prevent nozzle clogging, then ink discharge stability improves, but image density becomes unstable due to excessive vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial micro-vibration action by using different vibration amplitudes for different time periods and different nozzle groups. During non-discharge periods, micro-vibration is applied to prevent clogging, while during discharge periods, the vibration is reduced or stopped to ensure precise ink ejection. This partial application of vibration resolves the contradiction between preventing clogging and maintaining image density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic micro-vibration between ink discharge cycles. The micro-vibration waveform is applied intermittently during non-discharge periods to maintain nozzle patency, then stopped or reduced during discharge periods. This periodic on-off pattern ensures both nozzle stability and image quality without excessive continuous vibration.
3Manufacturing precision
If micro-vibration pulse width is extended to improve ink convection, then ink discharge consistency improves, but residual vibration affects subsequent printing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies micro-vibration in advance during non-discharge periods to prepare the ink for optimal discharge conditions. By extending the micro-vibration pulse width before the actual ink ejection, the system ensures proper ink convection and nozzle wetting, while the timing is carefully controlled so that the vibration subsides before the next discharge, preventing residual vibration interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses brief, intense micro-vibration pulses that quickly achieve the desired ink convection effect and then rapidly terminate. This 'rushing through' approach provides sufficient vibration to improve discharge consistency but minimizes the duration of residual vibration, allowing the system to quickly transition to the next printing operation without accuracy degradation.
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 stabilizes image output and prevents nozzle issues or printing deviations when using non-standard inks, allowing for effective ink discharge and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that generates a pressure fluctuation on the ink in the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a micro-vibration waveform for micro-vibrating the piezoelectric element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus 1 uses a drive signal including a micro-vibration waveform PlsA, PlsB which causes the piezoelectric element 74 to micro-vibrate such that an ink is not discharged from the nozzle N in a case of being applied to the piezoelectric element as the drive signal and a drive waveform PA which deforms piezoelectric element such that the ink is discharged from the nozzle in a case of being applied to the piezoelectric element as the drive signal. The presentation unit 41, 91 selectably presents the indirect information from which the ink discharge status can be estimated such as the types of ink and the usage status of the ink or the like. The control unit 6 changes the strength of the micro-vibration caused by the micro-vibration waveform based on the indirect information selected on the presentation unit.