Electrostatic Inkjet Nozzle Meniscus Control

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pressure-driven inkjet system with an electrostatic field-based ejection system. A charging electrode applies electrostatic charge to the ink, and a suction electrode creates an electrostatic suction force that ejects the ink droplets. This substitution of mechanical pressure with electrostatic forces enables high-viscosity ink ejection through fine nozzles without requiring high drive voltages, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ejection capability.

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electrostatic suction force specifically at the ink meniscus region through the suction electrode positioned near the nozzle. Rather than applying high voltage across the entire head-substrate gap, the electrostatic field is localized to where it is needed (at the ink surface), enabling effective ejection while maintaining insulation elsewhere. This localized field application prevents insulation breakdown while achieving high ejection efficiency.

The patent replaces the pressure-based mechanical ejection mechanism with an electrostatic field-based mechanism. The charging electrode electrostatically charges the ink, and the suction electrode creates an electrostatic suction force that ejects the ink through fine nozzles. This substitution eliminates the need for high drive voltages even when using very fine nozzles for high-definition patterns, thereby achieving both fine pattern formation and low energy consumption.

The patent applies preliminary action by first charging the ink with the charging electrode before applying the electrostatic suction force. This pre-charging of the ink meniscus ensures that when the suction electrode is activated, the electrostatic suction force is maximally effective from the outset, achieving efficient meniscus formation and droplet ejection without requiring excessive voltage that would cause insulation breakdown.