Liquid Ejection Piezoelectric Voltage Control Based on Drive History
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lifetime of piezoelectric elements in liquid ejecting apparatuses is reduced due to aging processes aimed at stabilizing deformation variations, which also affect ejection performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a controller that adjusts the voltage difference based on the cumulative number of driving times, using a reference voltage and a drive voltage that changes according to the number of driving times to stabilize deformation while extending the piezoelectric element's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aging process is performed by applying a predetermined number of drive pulses to the piezoelectric element after manufacturing, then the variation in the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric element is suppressed and ejection characteristics are stabilized, but the lifetime of the piezoelectric element is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a drive voltage that dynamically changes based on the cumulative number of drive pulses. Initially, a first drive voltage is applied, and subsequently a second drive voltage different from the first is applied. This dynamic voltage adjustment stabilizes the piezoelectric element's deformation characteristics over time while extending its operational lifetime, resolving the contradiction between reliability and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (drive voltage) applied to the piezoelectric element based on the cumulative number of drive pulses. By adjusting the voltage parameter from an initial value to a modified value, the system maintains stable ejection characteristics without causing premature degradation, thus extending the element's lifetime while ensuring reliability.
2Productivity
If a high drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, then the ejection performance is improved, but the deformation variation increases and ejection characteristics become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic voltage adjustment strategy where the drive voltage changes based on the cumulative number of drive pulses. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve stable ejection characteristics over time while maintaining consistent performance, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the drive voltage is adjusted based on the cumulative number of drive pulses applied. This feedback control ensures that the piezoelectric element operates within optimal parameters, maintaining stable deformation characteristics and consistent ejection performance without excessive variation.
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 stabilizes ejection characteristics and extends the lifetime of the piezoelectric elements by adapting voltage application based on driving history, reducing performance degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric body disposed between the individual electrodes and the common electrode and configured to apply pressure to liquid within the pressure chambers
Data Source
AI summary
The controller drives the piezoelectric body such that, when the cumulative number of times of the driving is a second number of times greater than the first number of times, the voltage difference is a second value smaller than the first value.