Liquid Discharge Apparatus Voltage Control for Nozzle Flow Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in maintaining efficient discharge characteristics when multiple nozzles are simultaneously driven, leading to decreased flow quantity and discharge flow rate due to increased fluid resistance and pressure loss.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus controls the application voltage applied to piezoelectric elements based on the number of simultaneously driven needle valves, increasing the voltage as the number of valves increases to maintain efficient discharge by reducing fluid resistance and improving discharge characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple nozzles are simultaneously driven, then discharge productivity is improved, but fluid resistance increases causing decreased flow quantity and discharge flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the drive voltage applied to piezoelectric elements based on the number of simultaneously driven needle valves. When multiple nozzles are activated, the control unit increases the drive voltage to compensate for increased fluid resistance, thereby maintaining stable discharge flow rate and pressure across all nozzles.
2Productivity
If multiple nozzles are simultaneously driven, then discharge productivity is improved, but pressure loss increases causing decreased discharge flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control unit monitors the number of simultaneously driven needle valves and adjusts the drive voltage accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for pressure loss by increasing voltage when multiple nozzles are active, ensuring consistent discharge performance across high-productivity operating conditions.
3Productivity
If higher drive voltage is applied to maintain discharge characteristics, then discharge flow rate is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the voltage level based on the number of active nozzles, applying higher voltage only when multiple nozzles are simultaneously driven. This dynamic adjustment maintains discharge flow rate while minimizing energy consumption compared to maintaining high voltage continuously.
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 allows for accurate and efficient liquid discharge from multiple nozzles by optimizing the voltage control, reducing fluid resistance and maintaining discharge flow rates, even when multiple nozzles are simultaneously operated.
Implementation Method 1
multiple drivers configured to respectively drive the multiple valves... the circuitry controls a voltage to be applied to the multiple drivers
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head configured to discharge a liquid and a circuitry configured to drive the liquid discharge head. The liquid discharge head includes multiple nozzles from each of which the liquid is dischargeable, multiple valves configured to openably close the multiple nozzles, respectively, and multiple drivers configured to respectively drive the multiple valves, and the circuitry controls a voltage to be applied to the multiple drivers according to a number of driven valves of the multiple valves to be simultaneously driven.