Viscosity Modulated Dual Feed Liquid Ejector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing technologies face challenges in achieving higher operating frequencies and improved drop placement accuracy, which limits the quality and speed of printing.
Innovation Solution
A continuous liquid ejector system is designed with a unique nozzle structure and dual liquid feed channels, where the fluidic resistance of the nozzle is less than the combined resistance of the two feed channels, allowing for simultaneous actuation of drop forming mechanisms to enhance drop formation and placement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional single liquid feed channel is used, then the device complexity is low, but the drop placement accuracy and operating frequency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid feed system is segmented into two separate liquid feed channels (first liquid feed channel and second liquid feed channel) instead of using a single channel. Each channel has its own drop forming mechanism, allowing independent control and stimulation of the liquid jet. This segmentation enables stronger overall stimulation while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of two liquid feed channels into a single nozzle, merging their fluidic resistances (R1 < R2 + R3). This merging creates a synergistic effect where the combined stimulation from both channels produces stronger jet formation and improves drop placement accuracy beyond what a single channel could achieve.
2Productivity
If the operating frequency is increased, then the printing speed is improved, but the drop placement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dual liquid feed channel system with separate drop forming mechanisms provides dynamic control capability. By independently adjusting the timing and intensity of stimulation in each channel, the system can optimize drop formation at higher frequencies while maintaining placement accuracy through coordinated control of both feed channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fluidic resistance parameters by introducing a specific relationship (R1 < R2 + R3) between the nozzle resistance and the combined feed channel resistances. This parameter optimization enables the system to handle higher flow rates and frequencies while maintaining stable drop formation and placement accuracy.
3Force
If a single drop forming mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the liquid jet stimulation strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two drop forming mechanisms that can be actuated simultaneously or independently, providing dynamic and stronger stimulation of the liquid jet. This enhanced stimulation force improves drop formation quality and placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation forces from two separate drop forming mechanisms are merged and combined in the liquid jet, creating a synergistic effect where the total stimulation strength exceeds the sum of individual contributions, leading to superior drop formation control.
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 configuration enables stronger liquid jet stimulation, leading to improved drop formation and placement accuracy, thereby enhancing the quality and speed of printing.
Implementation Method 1
A first liquid feed channel is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The first liquid feed channel has a second fluidic resistance R2. A second liquid feed channel is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The second liquid feed channel has a third fluidic resistance R3.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous liquid ejector includes a structure including a wall. A portion of the wall defines a nozzle having a first fluidic resistance R1. A first liquid feed channel is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The first liquid feed channel has a second fluidic resistance R2. A first drop forming mechanism is associated with the first liquid feed channel. A second liquid feed channel is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The second liquid feed channel has a third fluidic resistance R3. The first fluidic resistance R1 is less than the second fluidic resistance R2 plus the third fluid resistance R3 (R1<(R2+R3)). A second drop forming mechanism associated with the second liquid feed channel.