Liquid Ejection Print Head with Temperature-Adaptive Waveform Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses, such as those with piezoelectric elements, lack optimal control mechanisms for improving ejection accuracy based on temperature variations, leading to inconsistent liquid droplet formation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with dual ejection modules, each equipped with temperature detection and switch circuits, adjusts drive waveforms based on temperature ranges and ejection data to precisely control liquid droplet size and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature detection portion is provided in the print head to detect temperature of the pressure chamber, then the detection accuracy of temperature is improved, but the ejection accuracy remains inconsistent due to lack of optimal control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature detection portion continuously monitors the pressure chamber temperature, and the control circuit adjusts the drive signal waveform based on the detected temperature. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that ejection accuracy is maintained by dynamically adapting drive parameters to temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the drive signal parameters (waveform shape, voltage amplitude, pulse width) based on the detected temperature. The control circuit selects from multiple drive waveforms stored in memory, choosing the optimal waveform for the current temperature range to maintain consistent ejection performance across varying temperature conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple drive waveforms are used to control ejection at different temperatures, then ejection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional circuits and waveforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores multiple pre-designed drive waveforms in a memory circuit before operation. Each waveform is optimized for specific temperature ranges, allowing the control circuit to simply retrieve and apply the appropriate pre-prepared waveform rather than generating complex waveforms in real-time, thus reducing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature range into multiple intervals, with each segment having its own optimized drive waveform. The control circuit divides the continuous temperature variation into discrete ranges and selects the corresponding waveform for each range, simplifying the control logic compared to continuous adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If temperature-based drive signal adjustment is implemented, then ejection consistency is improved, but the response time increases due to temperature measurement and signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal drive waveforms for different temperature ranges in memory during the design phase. When operation begins, the system only needs to detect the current temperature and retrieve the corresponding pre-computed waveform, significantly reducing the response time compared to real-time calculation and optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic temperature sampling at predetermined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic measurement approach reduces the processing burden and response time while still maintaining adequate control over ejection consistency, as temperature changes in the pressure chamber occur gradually.
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
Enhances ejection accuracy by dynamically adapting drive signals to temperature changes, ensuring consistent liquid droplet formation and improved printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric element that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first piezoelectric body and in which the first piezoelectric body is located between the first electrode and the second electrode in a first stacking direction
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature detection portion that is located on the other side of the first stacking direction with respect to the first vibration plate, is electrically coupled to the first wiring substrate, and detects first temperature information corresponding to a temperature of the first pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
In the liquid ejection apparatus, when first temperature information detected by a first ejection module includes information regarding a temperature in a first temperature range and first ejection data is a first value, a first switch circuit of the first ejection module outputs a first drive voltage signal including a second drive waveform, when second temperature information detected by a second ejection module includes the information regarding the temperature in the first temperature range and second ejection data is the first value, a second switch circuit of the second ejection module outputs a second drive voltage signal including a first drive waveform, and when the second temperature information includes information regarding a temperature in a second temperature range and the second ejection data is the first value, the second switch circuit outputs the second drive voltage signal including a second drive waveform.