Adaptive Inkjet Ejection Nozzle Shape for Satellite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-image-quality ink jet printing is degraded by uncontrolled sub-droplets (satellites) that are generated during ejection, leading to mist formation and staining, which is difficult to prevent without compromising ejection efficiency due to varying ink types and ejection amounts.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head with ejection openings that adapt their shape based on ink characteristics, using circular openings for easier ejection and noncircular openings with projections to reduce satellite generation, optimizing the balance between ejection efficiency and satellite inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If noncircular ejection openings are used to reduce satellite generation, then satellite generation is reduced, but flow resistance increases making ejection difficult after a specified time
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection opening is designed with different local characteristics: a circular main body portion for low flow resistance and easy ejection, and noncircular protruding portions for satellite inhibition. This local differentiation allows each part to fulfill its specific function while working together as a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection opening incorporates asymmetric noncircular protruding portions extending from the circular main body. These asymmetric features create specific flow patterns that inhibit satellite generation while the overall circular shape maintains low flow resistance.
2Manufacturing precision
If ejection openings are designed for high image quality printing with small droplets, then droplet size is reduced, but satellite generation becomes more significant
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection opening uses a composite shape with a circular main body for controlled droplet ejection and noncircular protruding portions specifically designed to inhibit satellite generation. This local functional differentiation addresses both droplet size control and satellite suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection opening is segmented into a main circular body portion and separate noncircular protruding portions. Each segment serves a specific function: the main body controls droplet formation while the protruding portions suppress satellite generation through their geometric characteristics.
3Device complexity
If the same ejection opening shape is used for all ink types, then device complexity is reduced, but ejection performance varies with ink type
Solution Approach 1:
The composite ejection opening shape serves multiple functions simultaneously: the circular main body provides low flow resistance for easy ejection of various ink types, while the noncircular protruding portions inhibit satellite generation. This multi-functional design improves reliability across different ink types without increasing device complexity.
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 mist generation and ensures reliable ejection, maintaining high image quality and preventing inappropriate ejection by selecting the appropriate ejection opening shape based on ink properties, thereby enhancing printing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The ink jet printing system includes a method of utilizing electrothermal converting elements (heaters) as ejection energy generating elements that allow the liquid to be ejected
Implementation Method 2
The ink jet printing system includes a method of utilizing piezoelectric elements (piezo)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a liquid ejecting head which inhibits the possible generation of satellites and possible inappropriate ejection during liquid ejection, enabling printing with improved image quality and reliability. Thus, ejection openings in the liquid ejecting head each selectively have projections or a circular shape depending on the characteristics of a liquid to be ejected.