Inkjet Printhead Substrate Temperature Detection via Segmented Resistance Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing element substrates for printheads face challenges in arranging detection elements without affecting the structure, function, and performance of driving elements, particularly in inkjet printheads where nozzle discharge failures occur due to clogging or wettability changes, requiring effective temperature detection without altering the printhead's structure or wiring.
Innovation Solution
The element substrate incorporates a detection unit with first and second resistance elements connected to common current lines, allowing for voltage detection between the elements while minimizing the impact on the driving elements' structure and performance, using a differential amplifier to generate detection information from terminal voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature detection element is arranged near each driving element in the printhead, then temperature detection capability is improved, but the structure including driving elements, wiring, ink supply path, and nozzle structure becomes more complex and受到影响
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented from the driving elements. Instead of placing detection elements near each driving element, the patent uses a single detection element that detects temperature at a specific location (e.g., ink supply path or substrate) to infer the thermal state of multiple nozzles, thereby segmenting the detection function from the driving function and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where a single detection element acts as a mediator to detect temperature changes that affect multiple nozzles. The detection element detects temperature at a representative location, and this information is used to infer the thermal state of the entire nozzle array, avoiding the need for direct coupling between each detection element and driving element
2Measurement precision
If detection elements and accessory circuits are arranged near respective driving elements, then detection accuracy is improved, but the arrangement location is restricted and affects the ink supply path and nozzle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element is extracted from the constrained locations near each driving element and placed in a more flexible location (e.g., ink supply path or substrate). This extraction allows the detection element to be positioned where it can detect temperature changes affecting multiple nozzles without interfering with the driving elements, wiring, or nozzle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single detection element serves multiple functions by detecting temperature changes that affect multiple nozzles simultaneously. Instead of having dedicated detection elements for each nozzle, one detection element provides universal temperature monitoring for the entire nozzle array, improving arrangement flexibility while maintaining detection accuracy
3Reliability
If a temperature detection circuit is arranged in the printhead, then temperature monitoring is enabled, but it changes the printing element, wiring, ink supply path, and nozzle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element is merged with an existing component of the printhead (e.g., integrated into the ink supply path or substrate). This merging allows temperature monitoring to be enabled without adding separate detection circuits that would change the printing element, wiring, or nozzle structure, thereby maintaining structural stability while improving 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
This configuration simplifies the arrangement of detection elements, reduces the influence on the printhead's structure and performance, and enables efficient detection of temperature data across multiple segments without additional readout wiring, enhancing the reliability of printhead operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first resistance element and a second resistance element each of which includes a first terminal and a second terminal and is arranged in a predetermined direction, wherein the first terminals of the first resistance element and the second resistance element are selectively connected to a first line for supplying a current, and the second terminals of the first resistance element and second resistance element are commonly connected to a second line for supplying a current
Data Source
AI summary
An element substrate, comprising a first resistance element and second resistance element each of which includes a first terminal and a second terminal and is arranged in a predetermined direction, wherein the first terminals are connected to a first line for commonly supplying a current, and the second terminals are connected to a second line for commonly supplying a current, and a detection unit configured to detect a voltage of the first terminal of the first resistance element and a voltage of the first terminal of the second resistance element while power is supplied to the first resistance element and is not supplied to the second resistance element.