Liquid Ejection Head Unit Using a Multi-Level Booster Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses using piezoelectric elements require multiple booster circuits, leading to increased size and complexity, necessitating a solution for downsizing.
Innovation Solution
A booster circuit configuration that includes an inductor, switch element, and multiple diodes and capacitors to generate multiple voltage levels from a single supply voltage, enabling efficient voltage conversion and reduced circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple booster circuits are used to provide different voltage values, then the liquid ejection apparatus can operate with multiple voltage levels, but the size and complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple booster circuits into a single integrated booster circuit that can output multiple different voltage values. This is achieved by using a switch element to selectively connect different capacitor configurations to the load, allowing one circuit to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate booster circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining voltage level versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single booster circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by providing different voltage values (first voltage value and second voltage value) through different capacitor configurations. The switch element enables the same circuit to serve multiple voltage requirements, making the booster circuit universal rather than requiring dedicated circuits for each voltage level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple booster circuits are used to provide different voltage values, then the liquid ejection apparatus can operate with multiple voltage levels, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple booster circuits into one compact unit, significantly reducing the physical space required. By integrating multiple voltage generation capabilities into a single circuit structure with shared components (inductor, capacitors, switch element), the apparatus size is reduced while still providing multiple voltage levels for different operational requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If a single booster circuit outputs multiple voltage values, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability using a switch element that can reconfigure the capacitor connections based on the required voltage output. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single circuit to provide multiple voltage levels without requiring permanent separate circuits for each voltage, balancing the complexity through programmable or controllable switching rather than static multiple circuits.
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
The solution allows for compact design by generating multiple voltage levels from a single supply, reducing the overall size and complexity of the liquid ejection apparatus and head unit.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejection apparatus using a piezoelectric element is known... each of the plurality of nozzles is driven in accordance with a drive signal. When the piezoelectric element is driven, the liquid is ejected from the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
an inductor element having one end supplied with the supply voltage signal
Implementation Method 3
a first output capacitor element having one end electrically coupled to a cathode terminal of the first output diode element, a first charging capacitor element having one end electrically coupled to the one end of the switch element
Implementation Method 4
a first output diode element having an anode terminal electrically coupled to the one end of the switch element, a first charging diode element having an anode terminal electrically coupled to the cathode terminal of the first output diode element
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a booster circuit configured to boost a supply voltage signal; an inductor having one end supplied with the supply voltage signal; a switch having one end coupled to the other end of the inductor; a first output diode having an anode terminal coupled to the one end of the switch; a first output capacitor having one end coupled to a cathode terminal of the first output diode; a first charging capacitor having one end coupled to the one end of the switch; a first charging diode having an anode terminal coupled to the cathode terminal of the first output diode; a second output diode having an anode terminal coupled to a cathode terminal of the first charging diode and the other end of the first charging capacitor; and a second output capacitor having one end coupled to a cathode terminal of the second output diode.