Wide Array Printhead Module Peak Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices face increased peak power demands and coincident transients due to simultaneous activation of numerous nozzles in printhead dies, leading to higher energy consumption and potential inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A wide array printhead module with internal and external delay circuitry is implemented, where activation pulses are delayed between primitives and printhead dies, reducing peak power demands by minimizing coincident transients and ringing on power supply lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all nozzles in printhead dies are activated simultaneously, then printing coverage and productivity are improved, but peak power demands and coincident transients increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printhead array into multiple independent printhead dies, each with its own activation pulse generation. This segmentation allows different dies to be activated at different times, reducing the peak power demand when all nozzles cannot fire simultaneously. The segmentation of the printing function across multiple dies enables sustained high productivity while managing power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation pulses with varying timing for different printhead dies. By using periodic action with different phases and delays for each die, the system ensures continuous printing coverage while distributing the power demand over time, preventing simultaneous peak power draws from all nozzles.
2Power
If activation pulses are delayed between primitives and printhead dies, then peak power demands are reduced, but printing continuity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal delay values for each printhead die in a lookup table. These delays are determined in advance to ensure that while power demands are reduced, the printing continuity is maintained. The preliminary setup of delay parameters allows real-time operation without compromising productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by overlapping the activation sequences of different printhead dies. As one die completes its primitive, another die is already activated, ensuring continuous ink ejection and printing coverage. The delay circuitry is designed to maintain this continuity while reducing peak power demands.
3Power
If more delay circuitry is added to control activation timing, then peak power demands are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces delay circuitry as an intermediary component between the pulse generator and the printhead dies. This intermediary adds minimal complexity by simply delaying the activation pulses without requiring complex control logic. The delay circuitry acts as a buffer that simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving the power management goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages device complexity by changing the timing parameter of activation pulses rather than adding complex control mechanisms. By adjusting the delay parameter in a straightforward manner, the system reduces peak power demands without significantly increasing device complexity. The parameter change approach keeps the system simple and maintainable.
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 effectively reduces peak power demands and minimizes energy consumption by controlling the timing of activation pulses, ensuring efficient ink ejection and reducing the strain on power supply lines.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle firing heaters may boil and eject the ink based on activation pulses
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A wide array printhead module includes a plurality of printhead die, each of the printhead die includes a number of nozzles. The nozzles form a number of primitives. A nozzle firing heater is coupled to each of the nozzles. An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) controls a number of activation pluses that activate the nozzle firing heaters for each of the nozzles associated with the primitives. The activation pulses are delayed between each of the primitives via internal delays and external delays to reduce peak power demands of the printhead die. The ASIC determines the internal delays within each printhead die.