Power Circuit Allocation for Printing Apparatus Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses require large and bulky power circuits to supply optimal drive voltage to multiple nozzles, leading to increased size and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power circuit allocation method that assigns multiple small power circuits to different nozzle ranks based on drive voltage requirements, minimizing the number of power circuits needed and optimizing their distribution to maintain consistent ink jetting velocities across nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single power circuit supplies optimal drive voltage to multiple nozzles, then jetting uniformity is improved, but the power circuit size increases and apparatus size grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple independent power circuits (first power circuit, second power circuit, third power circuit) instead of using a single power circuit. Each power circuit supplies power to specific nozzle groups, enabling segmentation of the power supply function while maintaining optimal drive voltage for uniform jetting across all nozzles.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple power circuits are used to supply optimal drive voltage to nozzles, then apparatus size is reduced, but the complexity of power circuit allocation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes allocation tables that define which nozzles are supplied by which power circuits before operation. The control device uses these pre-defined allocation relationships to manage power supply, avoiding complex real-time allocation decisions and simplifying the control logic while enabling multiple power circuits to operate efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes first and second actuators for exerting force to liquid, the number of the second actuators being smaller than the number of the first actuators; a switching circuit; first, second and third power circuits for applying voltages to the first and second actuators; and a controller for controlling driving of the first and second actuators. The controller is configured to control the switching circuit to electrically connect the first power circuit and some of the first actuators, electrically connect the second power circuit to the other of the first actuators and electrically connect the third power circuit to the second actuators, based on the number of the first actuators and the number of the second actuators.