Printhead Control Circuit Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face malfunctions due to poor accuracy in signal supply, leading to printhead malfunctions and increased likelihood of short circuits from liquid mist particles, which are not effectively detected by existing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A printhead control circuit that performs abnormality detection by outputting specific signals through different voltage levels to determine the normalcy of high and low-voltage signals, using a signal circuit and wires connected to terminals, ensuring accurate detection and reducing malfunction risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printhead receives both high-voltage signals and low-voltage signals simultaneously, then the printhead can perform normal ejection operations, but the likelihood of signal accuracy problems and malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary abnormality detection by testing signal lines with specific test signals before normal printing operations begin. This preliminary action identifies potential signal accuracy problems in advance, allowing the system to prevent malfunctions before they occur during actual printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The printhead control circuit performs self-diagnosis by autonomously detecting abnormalities in signal lines using test signals. The system monitors its own signal integrity without external intervention, identifying issues with high-voltage or low-voltage signal supply that could lead to malfunctions.
2Reliability
If liquid mist particles adhere to cables and terminals transmitting signals to the printhead, then short circuits or failures may occur, but existing detection techniques do not identify these signal abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the response of signal lines during abnormality detection. When test signals are sent through signal lines, the system analyzes the returned signals to detect abnormalities such as liquid mist particle adhesion, short circuits, or connection failures, providing continuous feedback on signal transmission health.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes signal parameters by using different test signals with varying characteristics (e.g., different voltages, frequencies, or waveforms) to probe signal lines under abnormality detection. This parameter variation helps identify subtle abnormalities that might not be detectable with a single fixed signal type.
3Measurement precision
If existing techniques detect printhead malfunctions based on control signals, then some abnormalities can be identified, but signal supply accuracy problems remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into distinct phases: abnormality detection using test signals before printing, and normal printing operations. This segmentation allows dedicated resource allocation to detection activities, ensuring thorough signal line testing without interfering with printing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary abnormality detection using test signals before initiating normal printing operations. This preliminary action identifies signal supply accuracy problems in advance, preventing malfunctions during actual printing and improving overall system 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
The solution effectively detects abnormal signal conditions and reduces the likelihood of printhead malfunctions and short circuits, enhancing the reliability and quality of printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
drives a piezoelectric element provided for a printhead by using a drive signal and thereby ejects liquid
Implementation Method 2
The charged liquid mist particles are attracted to conductors including traces and terminals transmitting various signals
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead control circuit outputs a first signal to a second wire while a first wire coupled to a first terminal is being supplied with a first voltage signal; outputs a second signal to the second wire coupled to a second terminal while the first wire is being supplied with a second voltage signal; outputs a third signal to the second wire while a third wire coupled to a third terminal is being supplied with a third voltage signal; outputs a fourth signal to the second wire while the third wire is being supplied with a fourth voltage signal; and thereby causes the printhead to perform abnormality detection in response to the first to fourth signals and the first to fourth voltage signals.