Liquid Ejection Head Control Using Split Drive Frequencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face challenges with increased size due to the need for pressure adjustment mechanisms and pumps in differential pressure systems, and high data transfer requirements in circuits with multiple ejection and circulation driver elements.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a configuration where ejection and circulation driver elements are driven with different frequencies, reducing data transfer needs and optimizing timing for each operation, using a control unit to manage the ejection and circulation driver elements independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ejection and circulation driver elements are used in a differential pressure system, then liquid circulation and ejection functions are achieved, but apparatus size increases due to pressure adjustment mechanisms and pumps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid circulation and ejection functionsVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ejection driver element and circulation driver element into a single integrated circuit board structure. The ejection driver element and circulation driver element are arranged side by side with their respective heaters and ejection orifices, eliminating the need for separate pressure adjustment mechanisms and external pumps, thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining both liquid circulation and ejection functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit board is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both the ejection driver circuit board and the circulation driver circuit board. The single circuit board structure integrates both ejection and circulation driver elements, allowing the apparatus to achieve both liquid circulation and ejection functions without requiring separate dedicated circuits, thus reducing overall apparatus size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple ejection and circulation driver elements are controlled independently, then optimized timing for each operation is achieved, but data transfer requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimized timing for ejection and circulation operationsVSAvoiddata transfer requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control into two independent but coordinated systems - an ejection control system and a circulation control system. Each system can operate independently with its own timing optimization, while the segmentation is implemented in a way that reduces data transfer requirements by allowing parallel processing and independent timing control without requiring constant communication between the two systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by operating the ejection driver element and circulation driver element at different frequencies. The ejection driver element is driven at a first frequency optimized for ejection operations, while the circulation driver element is driven at a second frequency optimized for circulation operations. This periodic operation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without requiring continuous data transfer between systems, as each operates independently at its optimal frequency

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 approach reduces the size of the apparatus and minimizes data transfer issues, allowing for efficient and optimized liquid circulation and ejection operations.

Implementation Method 1

an ejection heater RhA, an ejection driver element MD1, and a circulation heater RhB, a circulation driver element MD2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20260077586A1Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A liquid ejection head includes: an ejection module which includes an ejection driver element and an ejection heater capable of being electrically connected to the ejection driver element; a circulation module which includes a circulation driver element and a circulation heater capable of being electrically connected to the circulation driver element; and a controller which controls each of the ejection driver element and the circulation driver element into any one of a conduction state and a non-conduction state. The controller makes an ejection drive frequency utilized to drive the ejection driver element and a circulation drive frequency utilized to drive the circulation driver element different from each other.