Piezoelectric Actuator Voltage Control for Inkjet Printer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers experience changes in ink discharge characteristics over time due to prolonged use, leading to instability in ink discharge operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a controller that applies specific voltage signals to the piezoelectric actuator, including an ink discharge signal with a delayed subsequent voltage change and additional signals during non-discharge periods, to maintain the pressure chamber volume at optimal states, reducing stress on the actuator and stabilizing ink discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the piezoelectric actuator continuously maintains a deformed shape during non-discharge periods, then ink discharge efficiency is improved, but the actuator's polarization structure changes over time leading to unstable ink discharge characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic voltage changes to the piezoelectric actuator, switching between predetermined voltage and zero voltage at regular intervals during non-discharge periods. This periodic action prevents the actuator from continuously maintaining a deformed shape, thereby preventing polarization structure changes while still allowing efficient ink discharge when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a predetermined voltage to the piezoelectric actuator in advance before ink discharge operations. This preliminary action prepares the actuator in a deformed state ready for efficient ink discharge, while the voltage is temporarily maintained only until discharge occurs, avoiding prolonged deformation that would cause polarization changes.
2Speed
If the predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator for long periods between ink discharge operations, then the actuator remains ready for quick discharge, but the polarization structure degrades leading to characteristic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The controller periodically switches the voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator between predetermined voltage and zero voltage during non-discharge periods. This periodic switching prevents continuous deformation and polarization degradation while maintaining the ability to quickly discharge ink when a discharge signal is received.
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 ink discharge characteristics over long periods, preventing changes in the piezoelectric actuator's polarization structure and ensuring consistent inkjet performance.
Implementation Method 1
By applying voltage difference between the electrodes, the piezoelectric actuator deforms due to the piezoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printer whose ink discharge characteristics will rarely change even when used for a long period of time is developed. The inkjet printer has a pressure chamber, a piezoelectric actuator forming a wall of the pressure chamber and a controller for applying voltage to the piezoelectric actuator. The controller applies a predetermined voltage in general, and the piezoelectric actuator is usually deformed to project toward the pressure chamber. Ink discharge signal comprises an advanced voltage change from the predetermined voltage to zero and a subsequent change from zero to the predetermined voltage. The characteristics of the piezoelectric actuator will change if the piezoelectric actuator is continuously deformed during ink non-discharge period. The controller applies an additional signal including an advanced change from the predetermined voltage to a lower voltage and a subsequent change from the lower voltage to the predetermined voltage. The piezoelectric actuator is periodically loosened from the deformed state during non-discharge period, and the change in the characteristics of the piezoelectric actuator over time can be reduced.