Element Substrate Ink Discharge Detection via Segmented Thermistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing systems face challenges in detecting ink discharge failures due to foreign substances, bubbles, and changes in nozzle wettability, which affect image quality and require sensitive detection methods to recover ink discharge state quickly.
Innovation Solution
An element substrate with multiple first electrothermal transducers and temperature detection elements, along with a second electrothermal transducer for temperature detection, allows for high-sensitivity detection of ink behavior by generating heat to maximize temperature changes and accurately assess ink discharge state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature detection region is made large to increase detection accuracy, then the detection accuracy improves, but the size of the electrothermal transducer directly contributing to ink foaming increases, making discharge of small ink droplets difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature detection function into multiple separate temperature detection elements (first and second temperature detection elements) positioned at different locations around the electrothermal transducer. This segmentation allows the detection region to be effectively expanded through multiple measurement points without increasing the size of any single electrothermal transducer, thereby maintaining the capability to discharge small ink droplets while improving overall detection accuracy through comparative temperature measurements.
2Measurement precision
If power is supplied to the electrothermal transducer to heat the ink and make the temperature change steep for increased detection accuracy, then the detection accuracy improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heating power to the electrothermal transducer specifically during the temperature detection operation to create a steep temperature change that enhances detection accuracy. This partial action approach means heating is applied only when detection is needed rather than continuously, thereby improving detection precision while controlling energy consumption by limiting heating to specific detection cycles.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature detection elements are arranged for one electrothermal transducer to increase detection sensitivity, then the detection sensitivity improves, but the temperature detection region assigned to each element becomes small, reducing the sensitivity of liquid behavior detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature detection data from multiple temperature detection elements (first and second temperature detection elements) to achieve high detection sensitivity. By merging the information from these distributed elements and comparing their respective temperature measurements, the system attains enhanced detection capability that compensates for the smaller individual detection regions, effectively achieving both high sensitivity and adequate coverage.
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 enables precise detection of ink discharge failures and deviations, improving image quality by allowing for timely recovery operations and maintaining high printing sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
ink is foamed using thermal energy generated by an electrothermal transducer
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature detection element and a second temperature detection element, which are configured to detect the temperature of the electrothermal transducer
Implementation Method 3
a second electrothermal transducer configured to generate heat in association with a temperature detection operation by the at least one temperature detection element
Data Source
AI summary
An element substrate, according to an embodiment of this present invention, capable of detecting the behavior of a liquid at a high sensitivity, comprises: a first electrothermal transducer configured to generate heat to discharge a liquid; at least one temperature detection element arranged near the first electrothermal transducer; and a second electrothermal transducer configured to generate heat in association with a temperature detection operation by the at least one temperature detection element.