Liquid Ejection Apparatus Piezoelectric Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection apparatuses with multiple pressure chambers and piezoelectric elements face complexity in determining abnormal ejection states due to complicated signal detection, leading to delayed identification of issues.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection apparatus is designed with two piezoelectric elements and pressure chambers, where a determination unit compares the electromotive force detection signals from both elements to assess the liquid state at the nozzle, allowing for immediate identification of abnormalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressure chambers and piezoelectric elements are provided to each nozzle, then the liquid ejection capability is improved, but the signal complexity increases and abnormality determination becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ejection capabilityVSAvoidsignal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pressure chamber into multiple independent sections (first pressure chamber and second pressure chamber) with separate piezoelectric elements. Each section can be driven independently, allowing the system to maintain complex ejection capabilities while generating separate, manageable detection signals for each section, thereby reducing overall signal complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different detection strategies to different sections of the pressure chamber. By detecting electromotive forces from specific piezoelectric elements corresponding to specific pressure chambers, the system can analyze local conditions in each section independently, making abnormality determination easier despite the multi-chamber configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressure chambers and piezoelectric elements are provided to each nozzle, then the liquid ejection capability is improved, but the time for abnormality determination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ejection capabilityVSAvoidabnormality determination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates detection circuits that continuously monitor electromotive forces from the piezoelectric elements during normal operation. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify abnormalities immediately when they occur, rather than requiring separate detection phases, thereby reducing the time for abnormality determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the detected electromotive forces as feedback signals to monitor the status of each pressure chamber. By comparing the detected signals against expected patterns, the system can rapidly identify deviations indicating abnormalities, enabling quick response without delaying the ejection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If multiple piezoelectric elements are driven simultaneously, then the pressure variation capability is improved, but the detection signal becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure variation capabilityVSAvoiddetection signal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into separate detection channels for each piezoelectric element. Even when multiple elements are driven simultaneously to create complex pressure variations, each element's electromotive force is detected and processed independently, maintaining manageable signal complexity while preserving full pressure variation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 simplifies the determination of liquid states by comparing distinct detection signals, enabling immediate detection of abnormalities and improving the efficiency of ejection state monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

piezoelectric elements that apply pressure to the pressure chambers. When the piezoelectric element is driven, the pressure in the pressure chamber varies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the residual vibration waveform based on the vibration of the ink after the drive signal is supplied to each piezoelectric element is detected as the electromotive force of that piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConverse piezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250196495A1Liquid Ejection Apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejection apparatus includes a first piezoelectric element, a first pressure chamber, a second piezoelectric element, a second pressure chamber, a nozzle flow path which communicates with the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber and which is provided with a nozzle, and a determination unit configured to determine a liquid state at the nozzle based on a first detection signal which represents a change in electromotive force of the first piezoelectric element after at least one of the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element is driven, and a second detection signal which represents a change in electromotive force of the second piezoelectric element after at least another of the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element is driven.