3D Printer Head Cable Differential Signal Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional object printers face image quality degradation due to electromagnetic noise interference from motor-driven robot arms, which affects stable operation of the print head.
Innovation Solution
The printer employs a differential signal transmission system for control signals along the arm section, using a second cable arranged along the arm section, and a drive signal transmission system with a first cable, reducing noise susceptibility and improving image quality by stabilizing the print head's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable for transmitting control signals is arranged along the robot arm, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but electromagnetic noise from the motor interferes with the control signal, degrading reliability and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A differential signal transmission system is introduced as an intermediary between the control circuit and the print head. This differential signaling acts as a mediator that converts single-ended control signals into differential pairs, which inherently reject common-mode electromagnetic noise from the motor, thus maintaining signal stability while keeping the cable arrangement simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional single-ended electrical signal transmission with a differential signal transmission system. This substitution changes the electrical characteristic of the control signal from vulnerable to noise interference to resilient against electromagnetic interference, thereby improving reliability without complicating the mechanical cable arrangement
2Device complexity
If a cable for transmitting control signals is arranged along the robot arm, then device complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic noise mixes into the signal, causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The differential signal transmission system serves as an intermediary that protects the control signal from electromagnetic noise contamination. By converting control signals to differential mode, the system maintains signal integrity even when cables are arranged along the robot arm, preventing image quality degradation while keeping the overall device structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electromagnetic noise into a benefit by using differential signaling. The differential pair naturally rejects common-mode noise, turning the noisy environment along the robot arm into a condition that can be easily handled by the noise-resistant differential transmission system, thus maintaining high image quality
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 configuration reduces noise interference, stabilizes the drive of the print head, and enhances image quality by serially transmitting control signals as differential signals, making the printer more reliable and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the control signal is transmitted as a differential signal to the second cable
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object printer includes a head having a plurality of nozzles that discharge a liquid, a movement mechanism having an arm section that supports the head and having a plurality of joint sections provided on the arm section, a drive circuit that generates a drive signal to drive the head, a control circuit that generates a control signal to control supply of the drive signal to the head, a first cable for transmitting the drive signal from the drive circuit to the head, and a second cable for transmitting the control signal from the control circuit to the head. At least a part of the second cable is arranged along the arm section. The control signal is transmitted as a differential signal to the second cable.