Liquid Discharging Head Drive Waveform Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharging apparatuses, such as ink-jet printers, determining the drive waveform for each head requires multiple processing steps, increasing complexity and time due to the need for individual measurement of discharge characteristics for each head.
Innovation Solution
A method where the waveform of a drive pulse for a first liquid discharging head is determined using waveform information from a second liquid discharging head, allowing for shared information and reduced processing steps through peer-to-peer communication or a server-based system, enabling the use of either simulation or actual measurement to adjust the drive pulse waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If drive waveform parameters are varied multiple times to measure ejection characteristics for each head, then discharge characteristics can be optimized, but the number of processing steps increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by using waveform information from a second liquid discharging head as a template or reference to determine the drive waveform for the first liquid discharging head. Instead of performing multiple measurements and iterations for each head, the system copies the waveform parameters from one head to another, significantly reducing the number of processing steps while maintaining optimized discharge characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If individual measurement is performed for each liquid discharging head, then accurate drive waveform can be determined, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the waveform measurement and determination process for one liquid discharging head in advance, storing the waveform information, and then reusing this pre-determined waveform for other heads. This eliminates the need to repeat the time-consuming measurement process for each head while maintaining measurement precision through the use of verified waveform parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing steps are used to determine drive waveform for each head, then discharge characteristics can be optimized, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a universal waveform determination approach where the drive waveform parameters determined for one liquid discharging head can be applied to multiple heads. The waveform information serves multiple functions: it optimizes discharge characteristics through proper parameter selection and simultaneously improves operational efficiency by eliminating redundant processing steps for additional heads.
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 reduces the number of processing steps needed to determine the drive waveform, optimizing the discharge characteristics of ink by leveraging shared information and efficient communication methods, thereby simplifying the process and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
drive pulses are applied to drive elements, such as piezoelectric elements, so that liquid, such as ink, is discharged from heads
Data Source
AI summary
A drive-waveform determination method determines a waveform of a first drive pulse to be applied to a drive element included in a first liquid discharging head that discharges liquid. The drive-waveform determination method includes: a first step of obtaining second waveform information regarding a waveform of a second drive pulse to be applied to a drive element included in a second liquid discharging head that discharges liquid; and a second step of determining the waveform of the first drive pulse, based on the second waveform information.