Valve-Controlled Nozzle Timing for Consistent Liquid Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge technologies, such as those described in PTL 1, do not account for the variation in discharge amount due to the drive period and opening time of the valve in valve opening-closing type liquid discharge heads, leading to inconsistent liquid discharge.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus and method that applies first and second drive signals with specific drive periods and opening times to control the opening and closing of a nozzle hole, ensuring consistent discharge amounts by adjusting the valve opening time based on resistance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drive period of the valve is shortened to increase productivity, then the discharge amount becomes inconsistent, but productivity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve opening time variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the valve opening time based on the drive period to maintain consistent discharge amounts. When the drive period is shortened, the valve opening time is also shortened proportionally, ensuring that the discharge amount remains consistent regardless of the drive period, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and discharge consistency.
2Quantity of substance
If the valve opening time is extended to increase discharge amount, then the discharge amount becomes excessive, but the discharge volume is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control unit monitors the drive period and automatically adjusts the valve opening time to maintain the desired discharge amount. The control unit calculates the appropriate valve opening time based on the actual drive period and applies corrective adjustments, ensuring that the discharge amount remains within the specified range without being excessive or insufficient.
3Quantity of substance
If the valve opening time is shortened to decrease discharge amount, then the discharge amount becomes insufficient, but the discharge volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the valve opening time based on the drive period to maintain consistent discharge amounts. When the drive period is extended, the valve opening time is proportionally extended to ensure sufficient discharge volume, preventing the discharge amount from being insufficient while maintaining precision control.
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 the quality of liquid coating by maintaining consistent discharge amounts across varying drive periods, improving productivity and coating consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element to open and close the needle valve in response to a drive signal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a nozzle plate (101), a valve (131), a driver (132), and circuitry (500). The nozzle plate has a nozzle hole (102) from which a liquid is dischargeable. The valve openably closes the nozzle hole. The driver moves the valve to openably close the nozzle hole. The circuitry applies a first drive signal having a first drive period to the driver to open the nozzle hole for a first valve opening time equal to or shorter than the first drive period in a first drive period band and applies a second drive signal having a second drive period to the driver to open the nozzle hole for a second valve opening time shorter than the first valve opening time. The second valve opening time is longer than the second drive period in a second drive period band.