Piezoelectric Pump Voltage Control via Single Booster Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing liquid circulation devices for inkjet systems require multiple booster circuits to adjust the driving voltage for piezoelectric pumps, leading to increased installation space and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A liquid circulation device with a switching circuit and control circuit that switches the output of a DC power supply to supply driving voltage to piezoelectric actuators, allowing for controlled liquid feed capability without the need for multiple booster circuits, using a single booster circuit to generate high voltage and a switching circuit to direct it to each actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple booster circuits are provided to adjust driving voltage for each piezoelectric pump, then precise control over liquid feed capability is achieved, but installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid feed capability control precisionVSAvoidcircuit installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple booster circuits are merged into a single booster circuit that generates a common high-voltage output. This single boosted voltage is then distributed to multiple piezoelectric actuators through individual switching circuits, reducing the overall circuit installation space while maintaining voltage control capability for each pump

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single booster circuit serves multiple functions by providing high-voltage power to multiple different piezoelectric actuators simultaneously. Each actuator receives the same high-voltage source but can be independently controlled through its own switching circuit, allowing one booster to fulfill the role of multiple boosters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple booster circuits are provided for each piezoelectric pump, then independent voltage adjustment for each pump is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent voltage adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage boosting function is combined into a single circuit while the independent control function is distributed through multiple switching circuits. Each switching circuit can independently control its associated piezoelectric actuator by switching the common high-voltage output, maintaining adaptability without requiring multiple booster circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Individual switching circuits act as intermediaries between the single booster circuit and multiple piezoelectric actuators. These switching circuits enable independent voltage adjustment for each pump by selectively connecting or disconnecting the common high-voltage source from each actuator, preserving versatility while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the space and cost requirements by eliminating the need for multiple booster circuits, while maintaining precise control over the liquid feed capability and nozzle surface pressure, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of ink circulation and discharge.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of piezoelectric pumps configured to circulate liquid in a replenishing tank to a liquid discharge head through an operation of a piezoelectric actuator thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3527381B1Liquid circulation device
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3527381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527381B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3527381B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In accordance with an embodiment, a liquid circulation device comprises a plurality of piezoelectric pumps configured to circulate liquid in a replenishing tank to a liquid discharge head through an operation of a piezoelectric actuator thereof; a DC power supply; a switching circuit configured to switch an output of the DC power supply to supply a driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator of the piezoelectric pump; and a control circuit configured to control the driving voltage by controlling a switching timing of the switching circuit.