Liquid Discharging Apparatus Wireless Power via Coupling Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharging apparatuses in printers face issues with noise generation and potential short circuits due to the use of flexible flat cables, and previous solutions like timing belts and electromagnetic field coupling have design constraints and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus that uses electric field coupling to wirelessly transmit power to a carriage-mounted head via a coupling capacitance formed between a conductive member and a carriage guide axis, eliminating the need for physical wiring and reducing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible flat cable (FFC) is used to transmit power and control signals to the carriage, then the carriage can be supplied with power and signals, but the FFC is likely to be physically damaged and generate noise when the carriage moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the FFC from the system entirely and replaces it with a wireless power transmission mechanism using a timing belt and pulley system. This extraction eliminates the source of both physical damage and noise generation associated with the FFC while maintaining the essential function of power and signal transmission to the moving carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical connection system (FFC) with a mechanical system (conductive timing belt and pulley) for power transmission. The control signals are transmitted wirelessly, substituting electrical wiring with electromagnetic communication. This mechanical-substitution approach resolves the contradiction by eliminating the fragile electrical cable from the moving mechanism.
2Reliability
If a conductive timing belt is used to supply power to the carriage, then power can be transmitted without FFC, but there is a risk of heat generation due to short circuit when ink mist adheres to the timing belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating coating as an intermediary layer between the conductive timing belt and the ink mist. This coating prevents direct contact between the conductive surface and the ionized ink particles, thereby eliminating the short circuit pathway that would cause heat generation, while still allowing the timing belt to function as a power transmission medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful adhesion of ink mist to the conductive timing belt into a beneficial non-adhesive surface. By applying an insulating coating, the surface properties are modified so that ink mist does not adhere, preventing both short circuits and the associated heat generation problem. The harmful adhesion is transformed into a non-adhesive characteristic.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic field coupling with coils is used to wirelessly transmit power, then no physical wiring is needed, but there are constraints in design and manufacturing due to resonator installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electromagnetic field coupling system with a simpler mechanical power transmission system using a conductive timing belt and pulley. This substitution eliminates the need for resonators and complex coil arrangements, significantly reducing design and manufacturing constraints while maintaining wireless power transmission capability to the moving carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental approach from electromagnetic field coupling to mechanical power transmission through a conductive belt. This parameter change in the transmission mechanism eliminates the resonance frequency requirements and spatial constraints associated with coil-based wireless power transmission, simplifying the overall system design.
4Productivity
If the carriage moves in the main scanning direction, then printing can be performed, but the FFC is likely to be physically damaged on the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the FFC from the moving mechanism and replaces it with a robust conductive timing belt that is specifically designed to withstand the mechanical stresses of carriage movement. The timing belt is an integral part of the printing mechanism, eliminating the separate electrical connection that was vulnerable to damage during scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static electrical connection (FFC) to a dynamic mechanical power transmission system (conductive timing belt) that is inherently designed to move with the carriage. The timing belt's flexibility and strength allow it to dynamically accommodate the scanning motion without physical damage, ensuring continuous printing operation.
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 solution stabilizes power transmission, prevents deterioration in printing quality, and reduces the risk of short circuits, while being cost-effective and suitable for printer designs without the need for complex resonator installations.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling capacitance is formed by electric field coupling between a carriage guide axis and a conductive member
Implementation Method 2
a coupling capacitance is formed by electric field coupling between a carriage guide axis and a conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus includes: a discharging portion which discharges liquid; a carriage which has the discharging portion mounted thereon, and is provided with a conductive member; a power supply source which supplies power for discharging the liquid from the discharging portion; a housing which has the power supply source installed therein; and a carriage guide axis which supports the carriage to be movable with respect to the housing, in which between the carriage guide axis and the conductive member, a coupling capacitance is formed by electric field coupling, and in which the coupling capacitance is included in a power supplying path to the discharging portion or a discharging path from the discharging portion, in a transmission path of the power.