Piezoelectric Nozzle Drive Waveforms for Crosstalk Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses with multiple piezoelectric elements, electrical crosstalk occurs due to resistance, capacitance, and inductance components in signal wiring, which is difficult to mitigate in head external sales business models where usage conditions vary, leading to unpredictable drive waveform disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a detecting section to measure residual vibrations of the vibration plate after driving piezoelectric elements with different electrical potential change rates, allowing for determining an optimal drive signal waveform based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple piezoelectric elements are driven simultaneously to eject liquid from multiple nozzles, then productivity is improved, but electrical crosstalk occurs causing waveform distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous driving of multiple piezoelectric elements into sequential driving stages. By dividing the nozzle array into multiple groups and driving each group in sequence rather than all at once, the patent reduces electrical crosstalk between simultaneously activated elements while maintaining overall productivity through optimized group scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using evaluation waveforms with specific periods to detect residual vibrations. The drive signal includes evaluation waveforms at different periods, and by analyzing the periodic residual vibration patterns, the system determines optimal drive waveforms that minimize electrical crosstalk effects while maintaining efficient liquid ejection.
2Productivity
If the rate of change in electrical potential is increased to improve liquid ejection efficiency, then productivity is improved, but electrical crosstalk is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the rate of change in electrical potential based on detected residual vibrations. The system determines optimal drive waveforms with specific electrical potential change rates that balance liquid ejection efficiency with minimal electrical crosstalk. By dynamically adjusting this parameter according to measured vibration characteristics, the patent achieves both high productivity and low crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the detecting section to measure residual vibrations and using this information to determine subsequent drive waveforms. The detection results feed back into the control system, which adjusts the electrical potential change rate and waveform characteristics to minimize electrical crosstalk while maintaining efficient liquid ejection performance.
3Reliability
If drive waveform is adjusted to suppress electrical crosstalk, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to varying usage conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive waveform adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change drive waveforms based on detected residual vibrations and specific usage conditions. This dynamic capability allows the same liquid ejecting apparatus to adapt to different business models (head manufacturer assembly, head external sales, user-specific conditions) while maintaining reliable electrical crosstalk suppression through real-time waveform optimization.
4Measurement precision
If evaluation is performed with high electrical potential change rate, then measurement precision is improved, but residual vibration detection accuracy deteriorates due to crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using multiple evaluation waveforms with different characteristics (different periods and electrical potential change rates) rather than a single high-intensity waveform. By partially utilizing multiple evaluation approaches and selecting the most suitable one based on detected residual vibrations, the system achieves accurate measurement while minimizing waveform disturbance from electrical crosstalk.
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 effectively suppresses electrical crosstalk by adjusting the drive signal waveform to match varying usage conditions, ensuring consistent and reliable ink ejection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid filling a pressure chamber from the nozzle by causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate a vibration plate that constitutes a portion of the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
a detecting section that detects a residual vibration of the vibration plate after the at least one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is driven
Data Source
AI summary
The waveform determining section causes the detection circuit to detect, as a first residual vibration, a residual vibration of the vibration plate after N piezoelectric elements corresponding to N nozzles among the plurality of nozzles are driven with an evaluation waveform in which a rate of change in an electrical potential is a first electrical potential change rate, and causes the detection circuit to detect, as a second residual vibration, a residual vibration of the vibration plate after the N piezoelectric elements are driven with an evaluation waveform in which the rate of change in the electrical potential is a second electrical potential change rate lower than the first electrical potential change rate, and determines a waveform of a drive signal based on the first residual vibration and the second residual vibration.