Printhead Power Regulation via Interface Segmentation
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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 incorporated in the interface between the printhead cartridge and the cradle unit, which includes a printed circuit board with connections for power supply and print control circuitry, allowing for orthogonal projection and pivoting, and utilizing capacitors and an inductor for power storage to regulate voltage and current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all circuitry is integrated on a single print control circuitry board, then power supply and control functions are unified, but device complexity increases and compactness becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuitry into two separate components: a print control circuitry board and a separate power regulation circuit incorporated in the interface. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the main control board while distributing power management functions to the interface component, thereby achieving both reduced complexity and compact arrangement.
2Reliability
If power regulation is incorporated in the interface, then power supply to printhead is optimized and constant power to nozzles is ensured, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface acts as an intermediary component between the power supply and the printhead cartridge. By incorporating the power regulation circuit in the interface rather than in the main control board or directly in the cartridge, the patent creates a dedicated intermediate structure that handles power management, ensuring stable power supply while isolating complexity to a specific component.
3Volume of moving object
If orthogonal projection and pivoting connections are used in the interface, then compact arrangement is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs orthogonal projection where the first printed circuit board is arranged to project substantially orthogonally from the second printed circuit board. This three-dimensional arrangement allows compact volume utilization while the pivoting connection provides mechanical tolerance compensation, reducing the actual manufacturing precision requirements despite the complex spatial configuration.
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 enables a compact and efficient power supply to the printhead, ensuring constant power to ink ejection nozzles, reducing circuit complexity and enhancing the compactness of the cradle and cartridge arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a power regulation circuit incorporated in the interface for regulating supply of power from the power supply to the printhead cartridge
Implementation Method 2
the power storage circuit includes a plurality of capacitors for storing said power
Implementation Method 3
the power storage circuit further includes an inductor for storing some of said power
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system comprising: a printhead cartridge comprising a printhead; a cradle unit for supporting the printhead cartridge; and an interface at which the cradle unit is removably engageable with the printhead cartridge, the interface comprising connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface and a power regulation circuit for regulating supply of power from the power supply to the printhead cartridge.