Print Head Temperature Sampling for Precise Liquid Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the temperature of the print head, which affects the control of piezoelectric elements for precise ink ejection.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a temperature detecting section on the print head to acquire temperature information at predetermined sampling periods, with a processor determining the number of samples for generating a temperature information signal, and a drive circuit to control the print head based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature detection is performed using a conventional temperature detector disposed in the print head, then the structure is simple, but the temperature detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the piezoelectric element itself as an intermediary to detect temperature. By monitoring the drive signal characteristics and ejection performance of the piezoelectric element, the system indirectly measures temperature without requiring separate temperature sensors, thus improving accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element performs dual functions: both liquid ejection and temperature detection. The element detects temperature through its own operational characteristics (drive signal response and ejection performance), eliminating the need for external detection devices and achieving self-diagnosis capability
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature samples are collected and processed, then the temperature information accuracy is improved, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects multiple temperature samples (excessive action) but processes only the necessary portion by comparing consecutive samples and using the latest valid sample (partial action). This approach ensures accurate temperature information while avoiding unnecessary complex processing of all collected data
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily processes temperature samples by storing them in sequence and establishing a comparison mechanism before final temperature determination. This preliminary organization of data enables efficient accuracy verification without requiring complex real-time processing
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 accuracy of temperature detection and control of the print head, leading to improved precision in liquid ejection.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric body located between the first electrode and the second electrode in a stacking direction in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the piezoelectric body are stacked, and that receives the drive signal and is driven in response to the drive signal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a print head including a vibration plate, a pressure chamber, a nozzle from which the liquid is ejected, and a temperature detecting section that outputs a head temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of the pressure chamber; a temperature information output circuit that outputs a temperature information signal corresponding to the head temperature signal acquired at predetermined sampling periods and holds a plurality of pieces of temperature information obtained by acquiring the head temperature signal at each of the sampling periods; and a processor that determines the number of samples of the pieces of temperature information to be used to generate the temperature information signal, based on an adjustment temperature information group including the plurality of pieces of temperature information. The number of samples determined by the processor is stored in the temperature information output circuit.