Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Frequency Band Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with electrical interference due to overlapping frequency bands, leading to disruptions in drive signal generation and wireless power transmission, resulting in non-ejection errors and printing quality deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting apparatus with a drive signal generation circuit using a second frequency band and a non-contact power transmission circuit operating on a first frequency band, controlled by a circuit that restricts drive signal generation when power transmission occurs, to prevent interference and stabilize power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high-frequency switching is used to generate drive signal waveform, then liquid ejection precision is improved, but electrical interference occurs due to overlapping frequency bands with wireless power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ejection precisionVSAvoidelectrical interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit alternates between drive signal generation mode and wireless power supply mode in periodic time slots. During drive signal generation, the wireless power supply is suspended, and vice versa. This periodic switching eliminates frequency band overlap and electrical interference while maintaining both liquid ejection precision and wireless power supply functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches operating modes based on real-time requirements. The control circuit monitors whether liquid ejection or wireless power supply is prioritized and adjusts the operational state of each circuit accordingly, transforming static frequency allocation into dynamic time-division multiplexing to resolve interference issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless power supply and drive signal generation operate simultaneously, then system versatility is improved, but operational stability deteriorates due to frequency band overlap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit implements periodic time-division operation where wireless power supply and drive signal generation alternate in dedicated time slots. This ensures both functions remain available (versatile) while preventing simultaneous operation that causes frequency interference, thereby maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages and coordinates the operation of both the wireless power supply circuit and the drive signal generation circuit. It mediates between the two functions by allocating time slots and preventing concurrent operation, thus resolving the conflict between versatility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If drive signal generation is performed during wireless power transmission, then productivity is improved, but printing quality deteriorates due to drive waveform disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidprinting quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit allocates dedicated time slots for drive signal generation when wireless power supply is suspended, and vice versa. This periodic separation ensures that when liquid ejection occurs, the drive waveform is not disrupted by wireless power transmission, thereby maintaining printing quality while still achieving operational efficiency through time-division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 configuration effectively suppresses electrical interference, ensuring stable power transmission and improved printing quality by prioritizing power transmission or drive signal generation, depending on the operational mode.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid ejecting section (D) that ejects liquid in response to a drive signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a non-contact power transmission circuit that transmits power in a non-contact manner by using a first frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9950518B2Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting system

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting section that ejects liquid in response to a drive signal; a drive signal generation circuit that generates the drive signal by using a second frequency band including at least a part of a first frequency band; a non-contact power transmission circuit that transmits power in a non-contact manner by using the first frequency band; and a control circuit that controls the drive signal generation circuit and the non-contact power transmission circuit, in which the control circuit restricts the generation of the drive signal by the drive signal generation circuit in a case where the non-contact power transmission circuit has transmitted the power.