Recording Element Pulse Control for Common-Wiring Voltage Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The fluctuation in voltage applied to recording elements due to varying numbers of simultaneously driven elements in a print head leads to uneven ink ejection, affecting density and landing accuracy, which is not adequately addressed by existing control methods.

Innovation Solution

A recording apparatus with a common wiring system connects recording and heating elements, using an obtaining unit to determine drive pulses based on the number of elements to be driven, and a control unit to adjust the drive voltage accordingly, stabilizing energy supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of simultaneously driven recording elements varies, then the image recording flexibility is improved, but the voltage stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage recording flexibilityVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit counts the number of simultaneously driven recording elements and heating elements, then adjusts the drive pulse width based on this count to compensate for voltage fluctuations. This feedback mechanism ensures stable voltage supply regardless of the number of active elements, resolving the contradiction between recording flexibility and voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the drive pulse width parameter based on the number of simultaneously driven elements. When more elements are driven, the pulse width is adjusted to compensate for increased voltage drop, maintaining consistent energy delivery to each element despite varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the number of simultaneously driven recording elements increases, then the image recording speed is improved, but the energy distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage recording speedVSAvoidenergy distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors the number of simultaneously driven elements and uses this information to adjust drive pulse parameters, ensuring uniform energy distribution across all active elements regardless of how many are operating at the same time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of drive pulse width based on real-time operational conditions. The system adapts the energy delivery parameters according to the number of active elements, maintaining consistent performance whether few or many elements are driven simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a common wiring is used for recording and heating elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the voltage fluctuation impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidvoltage fluctuation impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit counts the number of simultaneously driven elements connected to the common wiring and adjusts the drive pulse width to compensate for voltage fluctuations. This feedback control mitigates the harmful effects of using common wiring while maintaining its simplicity advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the power supply and the recording/heating elements. It processes information about the number of active elements and adjusts drive parameters accordingly, protecting the elements from voltage fluctuations caused by common wiring usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach stabilizes ink ejection, preventing density unevenness and landing errors while maintaining consistent energy supply, enhancing print quality and durability of the recording elements.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of heating elements configured to heat the ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of recording elements configured to eject ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy to kinetic energy transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS12358278B2Recording apparatus and control method

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 CANON KK

AI summary

A recording apparatus includes recording elements to eject ink, heating elements to heat the ink, and a common wiring through which the recording elements and the heating elements are applied with a voltage. The recording apparatus determines a drive pulse applied to the recording elements based on the number of recording elements to be simultaneously driven and the number of heating elements to be simultaneously driven.