Liquid Ejection Head Pulse Control for Smaller Drive Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads using both ejection and flow energy generating elements face circuit size issues due to complex driving pulse and timing requirements, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design with a common driving pulse and timing for both energy generating elements in individual ejection units, reducing circuit size by synchronizing the operation of first and second energy generating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate driving pulses and timing control are provided for ejection energy generating element and flow energy generating element, then each element can be independently controlled, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving control for the ejection energy generating element and flow energy generating element into a single driving pulse signal. The control circuit generates one driving pulse that is simultaneously applied to both elements, eliminating the need for separate driving pulses and timing control circuits, thereby reducing circuit size while maintaining independent control capability through the shared pulse signal
2Productivity
If time-division control with delay is applied to distribute driving pulse waveforms, then ejection and circulation can be coordinated, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timing control functions into a single driving pulse signal that inherently coordinates ejection and circulation operations. By applying the same driving pulse to both energy generating elements simultaneously, the system achieves coordinated operation without requiring additional timing control circuits or delay mechanisms, thus reducing circuit size while maintaining productivity
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 approach simplifies the circuit design, stabilizes ink ejection, reduces waste ink, and improves throughput by minimizing preliminary ejection operations while maintaining ejection stability across various ink types.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy generating element that is provided in the pressure chamber and configured to generate energy for ejecting the liquid from the ejection port
Implementation Method 2
a second energy generating element that is provided in the individual flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head includes a first individual ejection unit, a second individual ejection unit, and a common flow passage for supplying liquid. The first individual ejection unit and the second individual ejection unit each include an ejection port, a pressure chamber, a first energy generating element that is provided in the pressure chamber, an individual flow passage that communicates with the pressure chamber, and a second energy generating element that is provided in the individual flow passage. The liquid ejection head is characterized in that the first and second energy generating elements in each ejection unit are controlled differently for each individual ejection unit at a common driving timing, by a common driving pulse.