Electrostatic Ink Droplet Positioning for Printing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face inefficiencies in accurately positioning ink droplets on printed objects due to aerodynamic effects and electrostatic charges, leading to undesirable deflection and ink deposition issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrostatic charging system that creates a controlled electric field to influence the trajectory of ink droplets, ensuring precise placement and minimizing microdroplet condensation by aligning the printed object's electrostatic charge with the output device's field, thereby compensating for aerodynamic deflections and preventing unwanted ink deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aerodynamic effects are present during ink droplet delivery, then ink droplets can be delivered contactlessly to predefinable surface areas, but the ink droplet trajectory is deflected leading to positioning inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful aerodynamic deflection into a beneficial effect by using electrostatic charging. The printing object is charged electrostatically, creating an electric field that attracts the ink droplets. This electrostatic attraction compensates for and counteracts the aerodynamic deflection, allowing the ink droplets to reach the intended target position despite the air flow effects during contactless delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrostatic parameter of the printing object by applying an electrostatic charge. This parameter change creates an electric field that exerts force on the ink droplets, modifying their trajectory. By adjusting the electrostatic charge level, the system can compensate for aerodynamic deflection and achieve accurate positioning during contactless ink delivery.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrostatic charging is applied to the printing object, then ink droplet positioning accuracy is improved, but unwanted ink deposits form from microdroplets over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system with a sensor arrangement that detects the electrostatic charge of the printing object and provides a charge-dependent sensor signal. The control device uses this feedback information to adjust the electrostatic charging level, optimizing it to attract ink droplets accurately while preventing excessive charging that would cause microdroplet deposition. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal charging levels dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies just the right amount of electrostatic charging - not too little to fail attracting ink droplets, but not too much to cause microdroplet deposition. The control device regulates the electrostatic charge to an optimal level that provides sufficient attraction for accurate positioning while avoiding excessive charging that would generate harmful microdroplet effects.
3Measurement precision
If sensor arrangement detects electrostatic charge to control charging, then charging accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical charging control with an electrostatic field-based control system. Instead of using mechanical mechanisms to control ink delivery, the system uses electrostatic charging and detection, which can be controlled electronically through the sensor arrangement and control device, simplifying the overall system while improving precision.
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 solution enhances the positioning accuracy of ink droplets on the printed object's surface, reducing unwanted ink deposits and maintaining electrostatic charging without continuous power supply, even for insulating materials, thus improving the overall printing efficiency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
The charging arrangement electrically, and in particular electrostatically, charges the printed object, thereby generating an electric field relative to the output device
Implementation Method 2
generating an electric field relative to the output device. With appropriate selection of the field strength and direction for this electric field, an attractive force acts on the ink droplets
Implementation Method 3
an attractive force acts on the ink droplets supplied by the output device, influencing the ink droplet's trajectory between the output device and the printed object
Implementation Method 4
charging the printed object serves to direct microdroplets, also known as microsatellites, generated when the ink droplet detaches from the output device, onto the printed object, thus preventing these microdroplets from settling elsewhere
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a printing device for printing on a print object (6), comprising an output device (22) configured for dispensing ink droplets onto an exit surface (23), and a receiving device (4) for a print object (6), which is configured for relative movement of the print object (6) relative to the output device (22) to carry out the printing process and which is arranged opposite the exit surface (23) to enable contactless delivery of ink droplets onto predefinable surface areas (25) of the print object (6). According to the invention, a charging arrangement (30; 60) is associated with the output device (22) and/or the receiving device (4), which is configured for an electric charge flow onto the print object (6) to generate an electric field opposite the output device (22).