Liquid Jetting Apparatus Nozzle Overlap Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid jetting apparatuses, the overlapping nozzles in line heads lead to biased nozzle usage, resulting in increased heat value and power consumption, which can shorten the lifespan of power sources and cause print defects due to heat transfer.

Innovation Solution

A liquid jetting apparatus with first and second head chips, each having nozzles arranged in a specific direction, and a controller that selects one of the overlapping nozzles based on drive voltage information to optimize nozzle usage and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If overlapping nozzles are used in line heads, then nozzle coverage and image quality are improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically changes the drive voltage parameter based on nozzle position and usage frequency. Nozzles in overlapping regions that are used more frequently receive adjusted voltage levels to balance the load distribution across all nozzles, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic nozzle selection and voltage adjustment based on real-time usage patterns. The controller adapts the drive parameters dynamically to prevent any single nozzle from being overused, which reduces heat generation and power consumption while maintaining consistent image output quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If overlapping nozzles are used in line heads, then nozzle coverage and image quality are improved, but heat value increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidheat value

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The controller adjusts drive voltage parameters dynamically based on nozzle position and usage frequency. By modifying the voltage applied to individual nozzles in overlapping regions, the system balances the thermal load distribution and prevents excessive heat generation while maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of heat concentration into a benefit by using the overlapping nozzle configuration to distribute thermal load. By strategically selecting which overlapping nozzle to activate based on usage frequency, the system transforms what could be a heat problem into a thermal management solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Area of stationary object

If overlapping nozzles are used in line heads, then nozzle coverage is improved, but load distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle coverageVSAvoidload distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The controller changes the drive voltage parameter based on nozzle position and usage frequency to balance load distribution across all nozzles in overlapping regions, ensuring stable and uniform operation while maintaining comprehensive nozzle coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors nozzle usage frequency and adjusts drive parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that nozzles in overlapping regions are used evenly, maintaining stable load distribution while providing complete coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 heat-up of power sources and prevents uneven load distribution, thereby extending the lifespan of power sources and maintaining print quality by optimizing nozzle allocation and voltage distribution.

Implementation Method 1

each of the first nozzles and the second nozzles is driven by voltage supplied from one of the power sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy to kinetic energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10214011B2Liquid jetting apparatus and method for selecting overlapping nozzle

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a first head chip having first nozzles arranged in a nozzle arrangement direction; a second head chip having second nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction, and being arranged to overlap at least partially with the first head chip in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction; a controller configured to control the first head chip and the second head chip to jet liquid from the first nozzles and the second nozzles; and power sources having different voltages, respectively. Each of the first nozzles and the second nozzles is driven by voltage supplied from one of the power sources, and the first head chip has a first overlapping portion and the second head chip has a second overlapping portion overlapping with the first overlapping portion in the orthogonal direction.