Print Head Array Testing With Dynamic Power Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Print head arrays face prolonged testing and potential inaccuracies due to bulk capacitance, which can delay testing and impact results during peak electrical demands.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit assembly with a power storage component that utilizes bulk capacitance to address peak power demands, allowing for lower-cost components and reduced testing delays by disconnecting the power storage component during low-power testing and connecting it during high-power testing to provide supplemental power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If bulk capacitance is connected during testing, then power delivery during peak demands is ensured, but testing time is prolonged and test accuracy is impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery during peak demandsVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection state of the bulk capacitance configurable rather than fixed. The test system can dynamically switch between connected and disconnected states based on testing requirements, allowing optimal performance for both power delivery and testing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If bulk capacitance is connected during testing, then power delivery during peak demands is ensured, but test accuracy is impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery during peak demandsVSAvoidtest accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the testing process into distinct phases: one where bulk capacitance is connected to verify power delivery functionality, and another where it is disconnected to perform accurate electrical measurements. This segmentation allows each type of test to be performed under optimal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If lower-capability power supplies are used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but ability to meet peak power demands is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply complexityVSAvoidpeak power demand capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The bulk capacitance performs preliminary energy storage during low-power periods, accumulating energy that can be rapidly discharged during peak power demands. This preliminary action allows the power supply to operate at lower continuous power levels while still meeting peak demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 minimizes testing delays and inaccuracies by ensuring accurate power delivery during peak demands, enabling the use of lower-capability and less complex power supplies and control electronics, reducing size, cost, and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

print head arrays sometimes utilize energy from bulk capacitance during peak electrical demands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBulk capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8733885B1Print head array testing

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A method and apparatus test a printed circuit assembly and a print head array with a low-power application to a printed circuit assembly having a power storage component disconnected from a power rail of the printed circuit assembly and test the printed circuit assembly and the print head array with a high-power application to the printed circuit assembly with the printed circuit assembly receiving electrical power from the power storage component.