Piezoelectric Drive Waveform for Liquid Discharge Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face issues with nozzle discharge failures, leading to stress and deterioration of piezoelectric devices when switched to a discharge disabling mode, as they maintain a deformed state without proper potential changes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a drive waveform generator producing a common drive waveform that includes a discharge waveform for active nozzles and a potential change waveform for inactive nozzles to minimize deformation, reducing stress and potential for deterioration by gradually changing the piezoelectric device's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the print mode is switched from normal mode to discharge disabling mode, then nozzle discharge failure is prevented, but the piezoelectric devices are held in deformed state and subjected to stress causing deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the piezoelectric device from a high-potential state (first potential) to an intermediate-potential state (fourth potential between first and second potentials) when switching to discharge disabling mode. This gradual parameter transition reduces the deformation magnitude and associated stress on the piezoelectric device, preventing deterioration while maintaining discharge failure prevention functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the piezoelectric devices are held in deformed state to maintain potential, then the discharge disabling mode is achieved, but stress accumulates leading to device deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the potential parameter from the first potential to a fourth potential that is intermediate between the first and second potentials. This parameter modification reduces the deformation level while still achieving the discharge disabling function, thereby minimizing stress accumulation and preventing harmful effects on the piezoelectric device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies prior cushioning by introducing an intermediate potential state (fourth potential) as a buffer between the active discharge state (first potential) and the fully disabled state (second potential). This cushioning potential level reduces the abrupt stress change when switching modes, protecting the piezoelectric device from excessive stress and deterioration.
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 solution effectively reduces the stress on piezoelectric devices in inactive nozzles, minimizing deterioration and allowing for efficient maintenance processes by maintaining a stable deformation state, particularly beneficial in high-density nozzle arrangements and thin piezoelectric devices prone to cracking.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric device configured to change a liquid pressure in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
the piezoelectric devices may be held in the deformed state. The piezoelectric devices maintained in the deformed state are subject to stress
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a drive waveform generator configured to generate a common drive waveform including, in one cycle, a first period having a discharge waveform including a first element for changing a potential from a first potential to a second potential and a second element for changing a potential from the second potential to a third potential, and a second period having a first potential change waveform for decreasing deformation of the piezoelectric device as compared to deformation of the piezoelectric device when the first potential is supplied, and a waveform selector configured to supply the discharge waveform to the piezoelectric device in the first discharge section that discharges the liquid, and supply the first potential change waveform to the piezoelectric device in the second discharge section that does not discharge the liquid.