Liquid Discharge Head Circulation Control for Lower Power Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in optimizing the driving frequency of circulating drive elements to reduce power consumption and data transfer volume, leading to inefficient power usage and increased load on the power supply.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that controls the driving of circulating drive elements based on cumulative count values of latch signals, selectively controlling different sets of modules to reduce power consumption and data transfer, while maintaining optimal driving frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circulating drive elements are driven frequently to maintain optimal liquid circulation, then liquid circulation effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating drive elements are driven periodically based on count values of latch signals rather than continuously. The control unit selectively drives circulating modules in different placement areas based on whether the count value falls within first or second ranges, creating a periodic action pattern that maintains liquid circulation effectiveness while reducing overall power consumption by avoiding continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving frequency and selection of circulating drive elements are dynamically adjusted based on the count value of latch signals. The system transitions between different driving states (first set vs. second set of circulating modules) depending on real-time conditions, allowing optimization of power consumption while maintaining circulation effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If data signals include detailed selection information for each discharging and circulating module, then module selection precision is improved, but data transfer volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data signal is segmented into two parts: common time-division selection signals that apply to all modules, and circulating group selection signals that specifically identify which circulating modules to drive. This segmentation allows precise module selection while reducing overall data transfer volume by eliminating redundant information.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system merges the common time-division selection signal with the circulating group selection signal to form the complete data signal. By combining these signals, the system achieves precise module selection without transmitting redundant data, as the common signal portion can be shared across multiple module selections.
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 power consumption and data transfer volume by optimizing the driving of circulating drive elements, thereby improving the efficiency and reducing the load on the power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of discharging modules each including a discharging drive element and a discharging heater electrically connected to the discharging drive element; a plurality of circulating modules each including a circulating drive element and a circulating heater electrically connected to the circulating drive element
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge head includes a plurality of discharging modules having a discharging drive element and a discharging heater electrically connected to the discharging drive element; a plurality of circulating modules having a circulating drive element and a circulating heater electrically connected to the circulating drive element, the circulating modules being arranged in pair with the discharging modules, and a number of the circulating modules being the same as a number of the discharging modules; a latch circuit for latching a data signal including selection information for selecting each of the plurality of discharging modules and the plurality of circulating modules; and a control unit for selectively controlling a first set of circulating modules or a second set of circulating modules based on a count value of edges of latch signals producing latch timing.