Liquid Discharge Head Layout for End-Region Density Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge heads exhibit suboptimal discharge performance due to the presence of dummy pressure chambers that do not discharge liquid at the end of the discharge region, leading to density unevenness and reduced printing quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dummy unit with a dummy pressurizing chamber and pressurizer that receives a drive signal, adjacent to the discharge units, to mitigate the effects of crosstalk and stabilize droplet discharge, thereby improving discharge performance and reducing density unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a dummy pressure chamber is disposed at the end portion of the discharge region, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but discharge performance deteriorates due to density unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of the dummy pressure chamber (which causes density unevenness) into a beneficial effect by actively driving it with a drive signal. The dummy pressure chamber, instead of remaining inactive and causing defects, is transformed into an active component that generates droplets to compensate for density variations in the discharge region, thereby improving overall discharge performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the dummy pressure chamber from inactive to active by applying a drive signal. Additionally, the drive signal parameters (voltage, pulse width) are optimized to control the droplet generation from the dummy pressure chamber, enabling precise compensation for density unevenness and improvement of discharge performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If dummy pressure chambers are not driven, then energy consumption is reduced, but discharge uniformity deteriorates due to crosstalk effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful crosstalk effect into a beneficial phenomenon. By strategically driving the dummy pressure chamber, the crosstalk between adjacent pressure chambers is utilized to improve discharge uniformity in the end portion region, transforming what was considered a defect into a performance-enhancing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by driving the dummy pressure chamber in advance to compensate for expected discharge uniformity issues. The drive signal is applied to the dummy pressure chamber before it would otherwise cause problems, pre-establishing the conditions for uniform discharge across the entire discharge region.
3Manufacturing precision
If the dummy pressure chamber is activated with a drive signal, then discharge uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the dummy pressure chamber multi-functional. It serves both as a structural placeholder (original function) and as an active droplet-generating element (new function). This allows the same component to fulfill multiple roles, improving discharge uniformity without requiring additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of the dummy pressure chamber with the function of active discharge units. By combining the structural role of the dummy chamber with the active droplet generation capability, the system achieves improved discharge uniformity while avoiding the need for separate additional components, thus controlling 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 implementation of dummy units enhances discharge uniformity, reducing dot size variations and improving the overall printing quality by minimizing crosstalk-induced density irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizer supplied with a drive signal and configured to deform the pressurizing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a dummy pressurizer supplied with a drive signal and configured to deform the dummy pressurizing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge head includes a discharge unit including a nozzle, a pressurizing chamber, and a pressurizer and dummy units including a dummy pressurizing chamber and a dummy pressurizer. The liquid discharge head includes a discharge region where the discharge units is disposed in a row and a dummy region where one or more dummy units are disposed adjacent to the discharge region on an extended line of the row of the discharge units. The discharge region includes a central region located at the center of the row and an end portion region located adjacent to the dummy region at the end portion of the row.