Print Head Temperature Detection for Liquid Level Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face reliability issues due to insufficient diagnostic methods for determining liquid levels in pressure chambers, leading to potential drying and operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus and failure diagnostic method that incorporate a drive circuit, temperature information output circuit, and state determination circuit to correct drive signals based on temperature information from temperature detection units, determining if the liquid in the pressure chambers is short or not by comparing the temperature with predetermined values, and using this information to manage the operation of multiple print heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature detection is used to determine liquid level, then liquid level detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical liquid level detection mechanisms with a temperature-based detection system. By measuring temperature changes in the pressure chamber (which correlate with liquid presence and evaporation), the system achieves accurate liquid level detection without mechanical sensors or complex moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect liquid level. Instead of directly measuring liquid presence, the system measures temperature changes that occur due to liquid evaporation or absence, using temperature as a mediator to infer liquid level status.
2Productivity
If continuous operation is enabled, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential drying and operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature detection continuously monitors the liquid level status in pressure chambers. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating liquid shortage, the system provides feedback to stop the printing operation, preventing drying and operational failures while enabling continuous safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary temperature monitoring and assessment before operational failures occur. By detecting temperature changes that indicate liquid shortage early in the process, the system takes preventive action to replenish or stop operation before actual drying or failure occurs, maintaining both continuity and reliability.
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
Enhances the reliability of the liquid ejection apparatus by accurately detecting liquid levels and preventing operational failures, allowing for continuous operation and reducing the risk of inappropriate stoppages through intelligent management of print heads.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first piezoelectric material, the first piezoelectric material being positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode in a first stacking direction in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the first piezoelectric material are stacked, and receiving the drive signal and being driven
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature detection unit located at the other side in the first stacking direction with respect to the first vibrating plate, acquiring first temperature information corresponding to a temperature of the first pressure chamber, and outputting the information as the first temperature signal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a first print head receiving a drive signal and ejecting a liquid, a temperature information output circuit acquiring a first temperature signal indicating a temperature of the first print head and outputting a temperature information signal, and a state determination circuit determining a state of the print head based on the temperature information signal, wherein the first print head includes a first temperature detection unit outputting the first temperature signal, and the state determination circuit determines that the liquid stored in a first pressure chamber is short when the temperature of the first pressure chamber corresponding to the first temperature signal exceeds a first predetermined value, and determines that the liquid stored in the first pressure chamber is not short when the temperature of the first pressure chamber corresponding to the first temperature signal does not exceed the first predetermined value.