Printhead Cartridge Interface Power Storage Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Known cradle support units for printhead cartridges have complex print control circuitry due to the integration of all circuitry on a single board, making it difficult to achieve a compact arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A system with a power regulation circuit and power storage capacitors integrated into the interface between the printhead cartridge and cradle unit, providing a regulated power supply to the printhead nozzles and allowing for a compact design by storing energy for consistent power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all circuitry is integrated on a single print control circuitry board, then the printhead cartridge can be supported, but the cradle and cartridge arrangement becomes non-compact and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuitry into separate modules: the printhead cartridge contains its own power storage and power regulation circuitry, while the cradle unit contains the print control circuitry. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and enables a compact arrangement by eliminating the need for all circuitry to be integrated on a single board.
Solution Approach 2:
The power storage and power regulation circuitry are extracted from the cradle unit and incorporated into the printhead cartridge interface. This extraction reduces the circuit complexity in the cradle unit while maintaining the support capability, as the cartridge now carries its own power management functions.
2Device complexity
If power is supplied directly from the cradle unit to the printhead cartridge, then the connection is simple, but power delivery may be inconsistent and compact design is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead cartridge is equipped with its own power storage and power regulation circuitry, enabling it to self-manage its power supply. The cartridge's power regulation circuit ensures consistent power delivery to the printhead nozzles by regulating the voltage from the power storage, eliminating the need for complex power management in the cradle unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The power regulation circuit in the cartridge changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) to maintain consistent power delivery. By regulating the voltage from the power storage, the system ensures stable power supply to the printhead nozzles regardless of variations in the power source or load conditions.
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 system enables a compact and efficient power supply to the printhead nozzles, ensuring consistent print quality and reducing the complexity of the cradle and cartridge arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage circuit incorporated in the interface for storing at least some of the power being supplied to the printhead cartridge from the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A system for interconnecting a printhead cartridge and a cradle unit for supporting the printhead cartridge, the system comprising: an interface at which the printhead cartridge is removably engageable with the cradle unit, the interface comprising connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply of the cradle unit; and a power storage circuit incorporated in the interface for storing at least some of the power being supplied to the printhead cartridge from the power supply.