Continuous Ink Jet Ejector with Angled Fluid Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous ink jet printers are complex, have high energy requirements, and are difficult to manufacture and control due to their reliance on electrostatic charging devices and deflector plates, which complicates printhead fabrication and reduces printing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A continuous fluid ejection device with a substrate having a nozzle plate and a fluid chamber with angled walls, where a drop forming mechanism at the nozzle periphery and fluid delivery channels facilitate fluid ejection and cleaning by creating a pressure differential, allowing for efficient fluid flow and nozzle cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrostatic charging devices and deflector plates are used in conventional continuous ink jet printers, then ink drops can be selectively directed, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex electrostatic charging devices and deflector plates from the printhead structure. Instead, it uses a simplified thermal actuation system where heating elements directly generate steam bubbles to eject droplets, eliminating the need for separate electrostatic components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the droplet generation and direction control functions into a single integrated thermal actuation system. The heating elements are positioned directly within the fluid chamber, merging the actuation and deflection functions that were previously separate complex subsystems.
2Ease of operation
If electrostatic charging devices and deflector plates are used in conventional continuous ink jet printers, then ink drops can be selectively directed, but energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of liquid ink to steam through thermal heating. The heating elements raise the temperature of the ink in the fluid chamber, causing it to vaporize and form steam bubbles that mechanically eject droplets. This thermal phase transition mechanism is more energy-efficient than maintaining high-voltage electrostatic fields for continuous operation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional continuous ink jet printers use electrostatic charging devices, then droplet control is achieved, but printing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic thermal pulsing to generate droplets in a continuous stream. The heating elements are activated in periodic cycles, creating rhythmic steam bubble formation that continuously ejects droplets at controlled intervals. This periodic thermal action enables faster droplet generation rates compared to conventional electrostatic methods, improving printing throughput.
4Ease of operation
If conventional printheads use complex electrostatic components, then droplet deflection is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, easily fabricated heating elements and fluid chambers that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. These components are designed to be inexpensive and straightforward to produce, replacing complex electrostatic components that require precision engineering and assembly. The simplified structure enables easier manufacturing and lower production costs.
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
Simplifies printhead fabrication, reduces energy requirements, and enhances printing efficiency by enabling precise droplet control and easy removal of obstructions, improving image quality and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
heats the liquid in the fluid chamber to a temperature sufficient to cause the liquid to phase change into a gaseous steam bubble
Implementation Method 2
a heating element positioned within the fluid chamber and electrically connected to a power source
Implementation Method 3
With piezoelectric actuators, an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material possessing properties that create a mechanical stress in the material causing an ink drop to be expelled
Implementation Method 4
a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the nozzle and having anisotropically etched walls
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid ejection device, a method of cleaning the device, and a method of operating the device are provided. The device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. A nozzle plate is formed over the first surface of the substrate and has a nozzle through which fluid is ejected. A drop forming mechanism is situated at the periphery of the nozzle. A fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the nozzle and has a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to each other. A fluid delivery channel is formed in the substrate and extends from the second surface of the substrate to the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery channel is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.