Piezoelectric Drive Circuit Voltage Control for Crack Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piezoelectric elements in liquid ejecting apparatuses experience stress and potential cracks when not in use, leading to ink leakage and reduced ejection accuracy due to unintended displacement and voltage variations, affecting the entire printing process.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a drive circuit and switch elements that control voltage signals to manage the displacement of piezoelectric elements, reducing stress by approximating voltage values in standby and sleep modes, and using a feedback circuit to maintain accurate ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the piezoelectric element is displaced in standby state to maintain readiness, then the response time to print state is improved, but stress accumulates in the piezoelectric element and vibration plate leading to cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage signals dynamic and adaptable to different operational states. The drive circuit dynamically adjusts the first and second voltage signals based on whether the liquid ejecting apparatus is in print state or standby state, allowing the piezoelectric element to be displaced only when necessary while minimizing stress accumulation during extended standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage values) of the piezoelectric element based on operational state. By adjusting the first voltage signal supplied to the first electrode and the second voltage signal supplied to the second electrode, the system optimizes the potential difference to reduce stress on the vibration plate while maintaining the ability to respond quickly when printing is required.
2Ease of operation
If the piezoelectric element is continuously displaced in standby state, then the system remains ready for immediate printing, but ink leakage occurs due to cracks in the vibration plate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the displacement state of the piezoelectric element based on operational requirements. Instead of maintaining continuous displacement during standby, the system optimizes the voltage signals to minimize stress while preserving the capability for immediate response, thereby preventing crack formation and subsequent ink leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage values) of the piezoelectric element based on operational state. By adjusting the first voltage signal supplied to the first electrode and the second voltage signal supplied to the second electrode, the system optimizes the potential difference to reduce stress on the vibration plate while maintaining the ability to respond quickly when printing is required.
3Device complexity
If a reference voltage is commonly supplied to multiple piezoelectric elements, then circuit complexity is reduced, but variation in reference voltage potential affects the displacement accuracy of all piezoelectric elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage supply system by providing separate first voltage signals to the first electrodes of different piezoelectric elements while maintaining a common second voltage signal. This segmentation allows independent control and compensation for each piezoelectric element, ensuring that variations in the common reference voltage do not affect the overall displacement accuracy.
4Speed
If the voltage value of the second voltage signal is maintained at a higher level in standby state, then the piezoelectric element remains responsive, but stress accumulates leading to cracks and reduced ejection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage signals based on operational state. During standby, the first and second voltage signals are optimized to minimize the potential difference and reduce stress on the piezoelectric element and vibration plate. When printing is required, the voltage signals are adjusted to provide the necessary displacement, ensuring both response readiness and ejection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage values) of the piezoelectric element based on operational state. By adjusting the first voltage signal supplied to the first electrode and the second voltage signal supplied to the second electrode, the system optimizes the potential difference to reduce stress on the vibration plate while maintaining the ability to respond quickly when printing is required.
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
The solution effectively reduces stress on piezoelectric elements and vibration plates, minimizing the risk of cracks and maintaining ink ejection accuracy by controlling voltage and displacement during non-printing modes, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that includes a first electrode to which the first voltage signal is supplied and a second electrode to which a second voltage signal is supplied and is displaced by a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a drive circuit in which a first voltage signal is output from an output terminal, a piezoelectric element that includes a first electrode to which the first voltage signal is supplied and a second electrode to which a second voltage signal is supplied, and a first switch element that is electrically connected to the output terminal and the first electrode. The liquid ejecting apparatus has a first mode in which a voltage value of the second voltage signal is controlled to be a first voltage, and a second mode in which the voltage value of the second voltage signal is controlled to be a second voltage lower than the first voltage, a voltage value of the first voltage signal is controlled to approximate the voltage value of the second voltage signal, and the first switch element is controlled to be turned on.