Liquid Discharge Apparatus Synchronized Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses with multiple print heads controlled by separate circuit devices face inefficiencies in coordinating drive signals and timing, leading to potential inaccuracies and damage to piezoelectric elements, especially when the relative positional relationship between the medium and discharge sections changes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a main control circuit, head control circuits, a PTS signal output circuit, and drive signal selection circuits that synchronize operation timings using encoder and pseudo-encoder signals to ensure precise control and reduce the risk of damage to piezoelectric elements, regardless of the positional relationship between the medium and discharge sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple print heads are controlled by separate circuit devices, then each print head can be independently controlled, but coordination between drive signals and timing becomes inefficient and may cause inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing signal generation functions into a single centralized timing signal output circuit that serves multiple head control circuits. This centralization ensures synchronized timing across all print heads while maintaining independent control capabilities, resolving the contradiction between independent operation and coordinated accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing signal output circuit is designed as a universal component that generates timing signals for multiple different head control circuits simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single circuit to provide coordinated timing control across the entire system, ensuring reliability while preserving individual print head control.
2Device complexity
If drive signals are generated without considering relative positional relationships, then the control system is simpler, but inaccuracies occur in liquid discharge positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing signal generation that adapts to changing relative positional relationships between the medium and discharge sections. The timing signal output circuit modifies its output based on detected positional changes, maintaining high positioning accuracy without requiring an overly complex static control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the timing signal output circuit receives information about relative positional relationships and adjusts timing signals accordingly. This feedback loop ensures accurate liquid discharge positioning while keeping the overall control system structure manageable through intelligent signal processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If timing signals are not synchronized between multiple control circuits, then the system operates more independently, but piezoelectric elements may be damaged due to timing conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges timing signal generation into a single centralized source that provides synchronized timing to all head control circuits. This unified approach eliminates timing conflicts that could damage piezoelectric elements while preserving the independence of individual control circuits through shared timing coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements protective timing coordination that prevents harmful timing conflicts before they can occur. The centralized timing signal output circuit proactively synchronizes all control circuits, cushioning against potential piezoelectric element damage from timing conflicts while allowing independent operation.
4Device complexity
If the system does not account for changes in relative positional relationships, then the control logic is simpler, but discharge accuracy deteriorates when the medium is not transported
Solution Approach 1:
The timing signal output circuit dynamically adjusts its output based on whether the medium is being transported and the current relative positional relationships. This dynamic adaptation maintains high discharge accuracy in both moving and stationary conditions without requiring excessively complex control logic, as the circuit automatically responds to operational state changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus including: a first control circuit configured to output a reference drive signal and a first discharge control signal; a second control circuit configured to output a second discharge control signal; a drive circuit configured to output a drive signal from the reference drive signal; a first discharge section configured to discharge liquid in accordance with the drive signal and the first discharge control signal; a second discharge section configured to discharge liquid in accordance with the drive signal and the second discharge control signal; a first timing signal output circuit configured to output a first timing signal; and a second timing signal output circuit configured to output a second timing signal, wherein the first control circuit and the second control circuit are operated in accordance with the first timing signal or the second timing signal.