Fluid Deposition Device with Simultaneous Cartridge Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid deposition devices, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in maintaining uniformity of ink drop size and velocity, which affects printing accuracy due to factors like ink path uniformity, contamination, and actuator pressure pulse uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid deposition device with a platen and cartridge mount assembly that supports a print cartridge with nozzles, electrical contacts, and a vacuum inlet, allowing for simultaneous electrical and vacuum connections, and a cap that can pivot to seal the nozzle region, preventing evaporation and maintaining nozzle wetness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a print cartridge is designed with separate electrical and vacuum connections, then the connections can be made individually, but the connection process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions (electrical contacts and vacuum sealing) into a single integrated cartridge insertion operation. When the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, both the electrical contacts and the vacuum seal are established simultaneously through the same mechanical action, eliminating the need for separate connection steps and reducing operational complexity
2Productivity
If the nozzle region is left exposed, then the printing process is simple and fast, but fluid evaporates and nozzles dry out reducing printing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cap that can be positioned over the nozzle region before printing begins or during idle periods. This preliminary protective action prevents fluid evaporation and nozzle drying, ensuring that when printing starts, the nozzles are already prepared and ready for accurate fluid deposition without requiring lengthy warm-up or reconditioning periods
3Reliability
If a cap is added to seal the nozzle region, then evaporation is prevented and nozzle wetness is maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cap mechanism that can move between an open position (allowing printing operation) and a closed position (sealing the nozzle region). This dynamic design allows the system to adapt its structure based on operational needs, providing protection only when necessary while maintaining printing capability during active use, thus balancing reliability improvement with structural simplicity
4Loss of substance
If reusable cartridges are used, then cost is reduced, but contamination accumulates in the ink flow paths affecting uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a system where print cartridges can be designed as disposable or single-use components. This approach eliminates the contamination problem associated with reusable cartridges by discarding the cartridge after a single use, ensuring that each new cartridge provides fresh, uncontaminated fluid flow paths. The receptacle is designed to accommodate these disposable cartridges with proper electrical and vacuum connections
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 device ensures efficient and accurate fluid deposition by maintaining nozzle wetness, reducing fluid loss, and allowing for single-use cartridges, improving dot placement and repeatability while providing a contamination-free printing environment.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric actuator can have a layer of piezoelectric material that changes geometry, or bends, in response to an applied voltage. The bending of the piezoelectric layer pressurizes ink in a pumping chamber located along the ink path.
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle includes a vacuum connector configured to mate with a vacuum inlet included on the print cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid deposition device including a platen and a cartridge mount assembly is described. The platen is configured to support a substrate upon which a fluid will be deposited. The cartridge mount assembly includes a receptacle configured to receive a print cartridge and multiple electrical contacts configured to mate with corresponding electrical contacts on the print cartridge. In one implementation, the cartridge mount assembly further includes a vacuum connector configured to mate with a vacuum inlet included on the print cartridge. When the print cartridge is received in the receptacle, the print cartridge can form connections with the electrical contacts and with the vacuum connector of the receptacle at substantially the same time.