Inkjet Printer Power Segmentation for Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ink jet printers, the long cables required to supply voltage to the printing unit from a power source on a support table often result in voltage drops, and the existing systems are prone to communication errors during reset operations between control units.
Innovation Solution
A recording device with a separate second power source for the recording unit, allowing shorter cables and preventing interference with movement, and a method where control units initiate reset operations sequentially to avoid communication errors by transmitting reset completion signals only after both units have completed their operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power source is provided on the support table and cables are extended to reach the printing unit, then the printing unit can be powered, but voltage drop occurs due to long cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into two separate power sources: a first power source provided on the support table and a second power source provided on the liquid ejecting unit. This segmentation allows the second power source to be positioned close to the printing unit, eliminating the need for long cables and preventing voltage drop while maintaining reliable power supply.
2Reliability
If a single power source is used on the support table, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage drop occurs affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent power sources positioned at different locations. The first power source on the support table and the second power source on the liquid ejecting unit work together to provide stable power, with the second power source specifically addressing the voltage stability issue at the printing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The second power source acts as an intermediary power supply specifically for the printing unit, bridging the gap between the main power source on the support table and the power-hungry printing unit. This intermediary power source ensures adequate voltage delivery without requiring long cable runs.
3Productivity
If control units perform reset operations simultaneously, then system recovery is faster, but communication errors occur between control units
Solution Approach 1:
Before the second control unit initiates its reset operation, it first determines whether the first control unit has already started a reset operation. This preliminary check prevents simultaneous reset operations that would cause communication errors, ensuring that reset operations are sequenced properly while maintaining efficient system recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units exchange feedback signals to coordinate their reset operations. The second control unit monitors the state of the first control unit and adjusts its reset timing accordingly, using feedback information to avoid conflicts and ensure reliable communication during the reset process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer includes a base platform (12) that has a support surface (13) on which a medium (P) is mounted, and a liquid ejecting unit (20), which is capable of moving relatively in a direction (X) that runs along the support surface (13) with respect to the medium (P) that is mounted on the base platform (12), and which performs a recording operation on the medium (P) from a recording head (32) that is built into a carriage (26) that moves along the support surface (13) in a direction that intersects the direction (X). The base platform (12) includes a first power source device (17), and first control substrate that controls operation of the base platform (12) on the basis of power that is supplied from the first power source device (17), and the liquid ejecting unit (20) includes a second power source device (23), and a second control substrate that controls operation of the liquid ejecting unit (20) on the basis of power that is supplied from the second power source device (23).