Inkjet Nozzle Evaporator for Compact Humidity-Controlled Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing systems face challenges in achieving a compact design while effectively managing ink evaporation and drying at the nozzles, leading to deposition of dried ink residuals.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a print head with a support structure that houses gas ducts extending along its surface, featuring evaporators to increase gas concentration and reduce ink evaporation at the nozzles, and separate gas ducts to expedite target drying, while using distinct gas sources and sinks to control atmospheric conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas ducts are arranged to feed dry gas to the nozzles for expediting ink drying, then drying speed on target is improved, but ink evaporation at nozzles increases causing deposition of dried ink residuals
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply system is segmented into multiple independent gas ducts: some ducts feed dry gas to expedite drying on target, while other ducts provide humid gas to prevent ink evaporation at nozzles. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both drying speed and nozzle reliability without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different gas conditions are applied to different locations: dry gas is directed toward the target area for rapid drying, while humid gas is directed toward the nozzle area to maintain proper ink evaporation conditions. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring gas properties to specific functional requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If the print head design is made compact, then device size is reduced, but space for gas ducts and evaporators is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Gas ducts are arranged in three-dimensional space within the print head structure, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions efficiently. Evaporators are positioned along the gas ducts in a compact configuration, allowing multiple components to coexist in limited space without compromising functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas ducts and evaporators are nested within the print head structure in a space-efficient manner, with evaporators positioned along the gas duct pathways. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume while accommodating all necessary components.
3Reliability
If evaporators are added to increase gas concentration and reduce ink evaporation, then nozzle reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporators are merged with the gas duct system, with evaporators positioned along the gas ducts to utilize the existing gas flow pathway. This integration combines the gas supply function with the evaporation function in a unified structure, reducing overall device complexity despite adding the evaporation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas duct system serves multiple functions: it transports gas from the source, provides a pathway for evaporators to inject vapor, and delivers conditioned gas to both the nozzle and target areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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 design achieves a compact print head with reduced ink evaporation at the nozzles and efficient drying on the target, enhancing reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
At least one evaporator is arranged along first gas ducts before the nozzles to evaporate at least one fluid into the gas before it arrives at the nozzles
Implementation Method 2
electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing system with a print head having a plurality of ink nozzles and with gas ducts arranged at least partially in the print head
Data Source
AI summary
An electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing system includes a print head with a plurality of ink nozzles arranged in recesses on the print head. A plurality of ejection electrodes located at the ink nozzles. A support structure is arranged in front of the ink nozzles and forming a front surface, wherein the ejection electrodes are arranged on the support structure. Gas from a first gas source and/or from a second gas source is conveyed through gas ducts and or gas is fed through the gas ducts to a gas sink. The gas ducts extend, over at least part of their length, along the support structure.