Signal Conversion Section Temperature Control for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face issues with heat generation in digital amplification circuits, leading to changes in signal characteristics and nozzle droplet output due to temperature changes, affecting image quality and component longevity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature detection section to monitor the signal conversion section, allowing for correction of drive signal operations or stopping them when temperatures exceed a threshold, thereby maintaining stable droplet ejection and preventing component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a digital amplification circuit is adopted to improve power conversion efficiency, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but heat generation from the coil becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature detection section that continuously monitors the temperature of the signal conversion section and feeds this information back to the control section. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control section adjusts the drive signal parameters (amplitude, frequency, or duty cycle) to reduce heat generation while maintaining printing performance. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing power conversion efficiency with thermal management.
2Power
If the coil receives large electrical charges to drive piezoelectric elements, then driving capability is improved, but heat generation from the coil increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the drive signal characteristics based on real-time temperature feedback. The control section modifies the amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle of the drive signal to the piezoelectric elements according to the detected temperature. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high driving capability when temperatures are low while reducing power consumption and heat generation when temperatures rise, thus resolving the contradiction between power and temperature.
3Device complexity
If temperature changes are allowed to occur naturally, then component simplicity is maintained, but signal characteristics change and droplet ejection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a temperature detection section that monitors the temperature of the signal conversion section and provides feedback to the control section. The control section then adjusts the drive signal parameters (amplitude, frequency, or duty cycle) in response to temperature changes, compensating for the effects of thermal drift on signal characteristics. This feedback mechanism maintains droplet ejection stability without requiring complex thermal management hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
4Power
If high voltage drive signals are applied to piezoelectric elements, then ejection performance is improved, but heat generation from the amplification circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the drive signal characteristics based on real-time temperature feedback. The control section modifies the amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle of the drive signal to the piezoelectric elements according to the detected temperature. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high ejection performance when temperatures are low while reducing power consumption and heat generation when temperatures rise, thus resolving the contradiction between power and temperature.
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 droplet ejection and prevents image quality deterioration and component damage by correcting signal distortions and stopping operations when high temperatures are detected, ensuring consistent product quality and extending the lifespan of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that deforms by the drive signal, a cavity that expands or contracts due to deformation of the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the signal conversion section
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an original drive signal generation section that generates an original drive signal, a signal modulation section that modulates the original drive signal and generates a modulation signal, a signal amplification section that amplifies the modulation signal and generates an amplification modulation signal, a signal conversion section that converts the amplification modulation signal into a drive signal, a piezoelectric element that deforms by the drive signal, a cavity that expands or contracts due to deformation of the piezoelectric element, a nozzle that communicates with the cavity and ejects a liquid in response to increase and decrease of a pressure inside the cavity, and a temperature detection section that detects a temperature of the signal conversion section.