Piezoelectric Liquid Discharge Apparatus Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses, such as ink jet printers using piezoelectric elements, face issues with high power consumption, poor energy efficiency, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to high-frequency current switching.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a piezoelectric element connected to a zeroth wire, a first wire, and a second wire, where the potential difference between these wires is stepped in a controlled manner to reduce power consumption and prevent EMI, utilizing a connection path selecting section to manage the voltage and hold voltage of the piezoelectric element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a class D amplification system is used to achieve higher energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference occurs due to high-frequency current switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameters by introducing multiple voltage levels (first voltage, second voltage, third voltage) that are different from the traditional high-frequency switching approach. The drive signal generator outputs drive signals with these specific voltage levels, and the amplifier circuit is configured to amplify these signals, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining energy efficiency. The voltage levels are carefully selected to optimize both energy efficiency and EMI suppression.
2Reliability
If a linear amplification system is used, then the piezoelectric element can be driven reliably, but power consumption is high and energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic amplifier circuit that can switch between different operating modes. The amplifier circuit includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier that can be selectively activated based on the drive signal requirements. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions, maintaining reliable drive signals while reducing power consumption during low-demand periods. The amplifier circuit's ability to dynamically adjust its operation mode resolves the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If voltage switching is performed at high frequency to control the piezoelectric element, then the discharge amount can be precisely controlled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control into distinct levels (first voltage, second voltage, third voltage) rather than using continuous high-frequency switching. The drive signal generator creates drive signals with these specific voltage levels, and the amplifier circuit is configured to handle each level appropriately. This segmentation approach allows precise control of the discharge amount while reducing the frequency and intensity of voltage changes, thereby lowering power consumption. The segmentation of voltage control into discrete, manageable levels resolves the contradiction between precision and power consumption.
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 configuration improves energy efficiency, reduces power consumption, and minimizes EMI by stepping the potential differences between the wires, optimizing the capacitance and voltage dependence of the piezoelectric element for reduced power usage and interference.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element in which a drive signal is applied to one end thereof and which is displaced in response to voltages of the one end and the other end thereof
Implementation Method 2
a cavity which is filled with a liquid and of which an inside volume is expanded and contracted due to the displacement of the piezoelectric element; a nozzle that communicates with the cavity and is capable of discharging the liquid by the expansion and contraction of the inside volume of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a piezoelectric element in which a drive signal is applied and which is displaced to eject a liquid; a zeroth wire of a zeroth potential; a first wire of a first potential that is higher than the zeroth potential; a second wire of a second potential that is higher than the first potential; and a connection path selecting section that electrically connects one end of the piezoelectric element to the zeroth wire, the first wire, or the second wire in response to a voltage of a source drive signal that controls the voltage of the drive signal and a hold voltage of the piezoelectric element. Here, a first potential difference from the zeroth potential to the first potential is different from a second potential difference from the first potential to the second potential.