Single Driver Circuit for Multi-Fluid Printhead Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printheads require multiple driver circuits to control the jetting of multiple print fluids, leading to increased electronics complexity and space usage.

Innovation Solution

A single driver circuit is configured to control the jetting of multiple print fluids by receiving a drive waveform with non-jetting and jetting pulses, and selectively applying these pulses to actuators based on active gating signals, allowing for the simultaneous control of multiple print fluids with reduced electronics requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple driver circuits are implemented to control multiple print fluids, then each print fluid can be controlled independently, but the electronics complexity and space usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capability for multiple print fluidsVSAvoidelectronics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single driver circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different print fluids through shared control signals. The driver circuit receives a common drive waveform and selectively applies it to different actuator groups corresponding to different print fluids (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black) using gating signals, thereby eliminating the need for separate driver circuits for each print fluid while maintaining independent control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple driver circuits that were previously required for different print fluids are merged into a single integrated driver circuit. This consolidation combines the control functionality for all print fluids into one circuit, reducing electronics complexity and space usage while maintaining the ability to independently control each print fluid through selective signal application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple driver circuits are implemented to control multiple print fluids, then each print fluid can be controlled independently, but the space usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capability for multiple print fluidsVSAvoidprinthead space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single driver circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different print fluids through shared control signals. The driver circuit receives a common drive waveform and selectively applies it to different actuator groups corresponding to different print fluids (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black) using gating signals, thereby eliminating the need for separate driver circuits for each print fluid while maintaining independent control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple driver circuits that were previously required for different print fluids are merged into a single integrated driver circuit. This consolidation combines the control functionality for all print fluids into one circuit, reducing electronics complexity and space usage while maintaining the ability to independently control each print fluid through selective signal application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables efficient control of multiple print fluids with less electronics needed, improving the compactness and efficiency of printhead designs while maintaining precise jetting capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Each nozzle is part of a 'jetting channel', which includes the nozzle, a pressure chamber, and a diaphragm that vibrates in response to an actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4056372B1Driver circuit for a printhead

Publication Date: 2024.10.23 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

Printheads and methods of operation. In one embodiment, a printhead includes a plurality of jetting channels comprising first jetting channels configured to jet a first print fluid and second jetting channels configured to jet a second print fluid, and a driver circuit communicatively coupled to actuators of the jetting channels. The driver circuit receives a drive waveform comprising non-jetting pulses and jetting pulses, and gating signals comprising a first active gating signal designated for jetting the first print fluid, and a second active gating signal designated for jetting the second print fluid. The driver circuit selectively applies the non-jetting pulses and the jetting pulses to actuators of the first jetting channels based on the first active gating signal to jet the first print fluid, and selectively applies the jetting pulses to actuators of the second jetting channels based on the second active gating signal to jet the second print fluid.