Piezoelectric Actuator Voltage Adjustment for Inkjet Deterioration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid ejection apparatuses with piezoelectric actuators face challenges in maintaining consistent ink droplet ejection due to age-related deterioration of deformation properties, which is accelerated by increasing the voltage to compensate, leading to unsuitable timing for voltage adjustments and accelerated deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a voltage value changing unit that adjusts the drive signal voltage based on accumulated time and ambient temperature, changing the voltage to a higher value when necessary and shortening the interval between changes to maintain deformation within quality assurance limits, thereby pacing with the deterioration of the piezoelectric layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage of the drive signal is increased to compensate for deterioration of the piezoelectric actuator, then the deformation degree is maintained, but the deterioration speed is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment where the reference voltage value is automatically increased over time to compensate for piezoelectric layer deterioration. The system transitions from a static voltage approach to a dynamic one, where the drive signal voltage adapts to the aging process while controlling the rate of increase to prevent accelerated deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the drive signal in a controlled manner. By adjusting the reference voltage value incrementally based on predetermined time intervals, the system maintains effective deformation while managing the deterioration rate through parameter optimization
2Reliability
If the voltage is changed at frequent intervals to keep pace with deterioration, then the deformation degree is maintained, but the complexity of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic voltage adjustment where the reference voltage value is increased at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach simplifies control by using fixed timing cycles while still effectively compensating for deterioration over the service life of the piezoelectric actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary voltage adjustment by pre-determining time intervals for voltage changes. Instead of reacting to actual deterioration measurements, the system proactively adjusts voltage at predetermined intervals, simplifying control while maintaining effective deformation compensation
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 ensures consistent ink droplet ejection and maintains image quality by adjusting the voltage in sync with the deterioration of the piezoelectric layer, reducing the frequency of voltage changes and extending the quality assurance range.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator which includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode arranged so that the first electrode and second electrode sandwich the piezoelectric layer therebetween, the piezoelectric actuator being configured so that, when a drive signal is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the piezoelectric layer is deformed and thereby energy is applied to the liquid in the supply passage
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a passage unit, a piezoelectric actuator, a drive signal generator, a driver, a voltage value changing unit, and an interval setting unit. The piezoelectric actuator applies energy to liquid in the passage unit. The drive signal generator generates a drive signal to be supplied to the piezoelectric actuator, based on a reference voltage value. The driver supplies the drive signal generated by the drive signal generator to the piezoelectric actuator. The voltage value changing unit changes the reference voltage value to a larger voltage value every time an accumulated time during which a voltage is applied between electrodes of the piezoelectric actuator satisfies a predetermined condition. The interval setting unit determines a new time interval to a next change of the reference voltage so that the new time interval is shorter than before, every time the reference voltage value is changed.