Liquid Discharging Apparatus Signal Transmission Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharging apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face challenges in maintaining high-speed signal transfer between the controller and the head unit, leading to reduced signal accuracy and discharge accuracy due to the conversion of analog signals to differential signals for LVDS transfer systems.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus with a controller and head unit that uses differential signals for control signal transmission and analog signals for state signal transmission, allowing for high-speed and accurate signal transfer without converting state signals, thereby reducing signal line requirements and maintaining discharge accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If analog state signals are converted to differential signals for LVDS transfer, then high-speed signal transfer is achieved, but signal accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments signal transmission into two distinct paths: control signals are transmitted as differential signals for high-speed communication, while state signals are transmitted as analog signals to preserve accuracy. This segmentation allows each signal type to use the most appropriate transmission method for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different signal lines are assigned different signal types based on their specific requirements. Control signal lines use differential signaling optimized for speed, while state signal lines use analog signaling optimized for accuracy. This local quality differentiation ensures each signal path has the properties needed for its specific function.
2Measurement precision
If multiple signal lines are used for both control and state signals, then signal accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control signals and state signals into a single LVDS interface for transmission between the controller and head unit. By using the bidirectional capabilities of LVDS, both signal types share the same physical interface, reducing the number of required signal lines while maintaining signal integrity through appropriate signal type assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The LVDS interface is designed to handle multiple signal types (control signals and state signals) through a single connection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the signal transmission system while maintaining the accuracy benefits of dedicated analog paths for state signals.
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
Enables high-speed and accurate liquid discharging processes by transmitting control signals as differential signals and state signals as analog signals, reducing noise interference and signal line needs, thus enhancing discharge accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric elements are provided to correspond to each of a plurality of discharge units in a head (an ink jet head), and due to each of the piezoelectric elements being driven according to a drive signal, a predetermined amount of the ink (a liquid) is discharged from nozzles of the discharge units
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus includes a head unit which includes a discharge unit which discharges a liquid, a controller which controls discharging of the liquid, a plurality of first signal lines which connect the controller to the head unit, and at least one second signal line which connects the controller to the head unit, in which, the controller transmits the differential signal to the head unit via the first signal lines, and in which the head unit transmits the state signal in analog format to the controller via the second signal line.