Printhead Circulation Pump Control to Avoid Resonance Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet printing apparatuses using piezoelectric elements for ink circulation face vibration issues due to resonance, leading to unstable ink discharge and image quality problems.

Innovation Solution

A control system that adjusts the drive frequency and phase of the circulation pump based on printhead vibration data to prevent resonance, using a CPU to manage the pump operation and ensure the drive frequency does not match the printhead's natural frequency, thereby minimizing vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the circulation pump is driven by using the piezoelectric element, then ink circulation is achieved, but the peripheral mechanism may resonate and generate vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink circulationVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the drive frequency of the piezoelectric element to avoid the resonance frequency of the printhead. The control unit varies operational parameters (frequency, duty cycle) of the piezoelectric driver to prevent vibration resonance, thereby maintaining reliable ink circulation while eliminating harmful vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the drive frequency of the piezoelectric element is increased to improve ink circulation efficiency, then circulation speed increases, but resonance and vibration are more likely to occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink circulation efficiencyVSAvoidresonance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using a vibration detector to monitor printhead vibrations in real-time. The control unit receives vibration information and adjusts the piezoelectric element's drive frequency accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains high circulation efficiency while preventing resonance through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Stabilizes ink discharge and improves image quality by effectively suppressing printhead vibrations, ensuring consistent ink landing and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an ink circulation pump including a piezoelectric element as a driving source may be used as the circulation pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the peripheral mechanism may resonate depending on the drive frequency of the piezoelectric element, and thus vibration may be generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12570091B2Pump apparatus and control method thereof, printing apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 CANON KK

AI summary

A pump apparatus configured to circulate liquid in a printhead configured to discharge the liquid includes a drive unit configured to circulate the liquid, and a control unit configured to control operation of the drive unit based on information related to vibration of the printhead such that the printhead does not resonate due to vibration of the operation of the drive unit.