Print Head Mode Switching for Ink Ejection Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in maintaining printing precision when reusing print heads due to unaccounted changes in ejection characteristics resulting from the use history of the print head, leading to decreased ink ejection precision and printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A print head design with a first and second ejecting portion, each supplied with a high voltage signal, and switches controlled by low voltage logic signals, allowing for two modes of operation: one for reading stored information and another for ejection control, enabling appropriate recognition and adjustment of the print head's state for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a print head is reused based on manufacturing history information stored in non-volatile memory, then the print head can be refurbished and re-distributed, but the ejection characteristics change due to use history and printing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of ejection characteristics and preliminary correction of drive waveforms before actual printing operations. By detecting characteristics such as ejection amount and droplet size in advance and storing corrected drive waveforms in memory, the system ensures that even reused print heads maintain precise ejection performance without requiring manual recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual ejection characteristics of the print head are detected and measured, then this information is used to automatically correct and adjust the drive waveforms stored in memory. This closed-loop feedback system continuously optimizes ejection precision by comparing actual performance with target specifications and making real-time adjustments to the drive signals.
2Measurement precision
If reading processing is performed continuously to detect use history, then the state of the print head can be recognized, but processing time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs detection and correction operations preliminarily before normal printing operations begin. By completing the characterization of ejection characteristics and storage of corrected waveforms in advance, the system eliminates the need for continuous reading processing during actual printing, thereby maintaining high productivity while still achieving accurate detection of print head state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic operation mode that switches between reading processing mode and ejection control mode. The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on operational context: performing detailed detection when needed (such as after refurbing) and switching to efficient execution mode during normal printing operations, thus balancing measurement precision with productivity.
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 design enhances the precision of ink ejection and printing quality by accounting for the use history of the print head, ensuring optimal operation and extending the lifespan of reused print heads.
Implementation Method 1
a first ejecting portion ejecting the liquid by being supplied with a high voltage signal changing in voltage value
Data Source
AI summary
A print head includes ejecting portions ejecting liquid by being supplied with a high voltage signal, a switch group switching between whether or not to supply the high voltage signal to the first ejecting portion group in accordance with a low voltage logic signal, a memory, a high voltage signal input terminal, and a low voltage logic signal input terminal, the print head having a first mode in which the print head executes reading processing of reading information stored in the memory and does not execute ejection control processing of controlling whether or not to supply the high voltage signal to the first ejecting portion group by switching the switch group in accordance with an input signal input from the low voltage logic signal input terminal and a second mode in which the print head does not execute the reading processing and executes the ejection control processing.