Fluid Ejection Die Dual-Recirculation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid ejection devices in inkjet printing systems face issues with ink recirculation, leading to potential blockages, clogging, and inefficient waste heat management, which affect nozzle health and printing quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-recirculation system within the fluid ejection device, comprising a micro-recirculation system within the fluid ejection die and a macro-recirculation system within the supporting body, which recirculates fluid through the fluid ejection chamber and across the fluid feed slot, respectively, using a combination of thermal resistors or piezoelectric actuators to manage fluid flow and reduce ink wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fluid is recirculated through the fluid ejection die, then waste heat management is improved, but blockages and clogging in the nozzles occur
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system is divided into two separate systems: a micro-recirculation system within the fluid ejection die and a macro-recirculation system within the body. This segmentation allows the micro-system to manage local heat at the nozzle level while the macro-system handles bulk fluid recirculation, preventing blockages by maintaining separate functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid recirculating element is introduced as an intermediary component within the fluid ejection chamber to facilitate heat transfer and fluid movement. This intermediary element enables waste heat management without requiring direct recirculation through the nozzles, thus preventing blockages while achieving thermal management.
2Productivity
If fluid recirculation is implemented, then printing performance is improved, but ink wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers unused ink by recirculating it back into the fluid ejection chamber through the micro-recirculation system. Instead of discarding ink that hasn't been ejected, it is recovered and reused, reducing ink wastage while maintaining continuous supply for improved printing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-recirculation system ensures continuous useful action by constantly moving fluid through both micro and macro recirculation paths. This continuous circulation prevents ink from stagnating and wasting, while ensuring fresh ink is always available at the nozzles for optimal printing performance.
3Ease of operation
If thermal resistors or piezoelectric actuators are used, then drop ejection is achieved, but fluid flow management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-recirculation system merges the functions of thermal resistors or piezoelectric actuators with fluid recirculation by placing the fluid recirculating element within the same fluid ejection chamber. This combining allows a single integrated system to perform both drop ejection and fluid flow management, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid recirculating element serves multiple functions: it manages fluid flow, assists in heat transfer, and works协同 with thermal resistors or piezoelectric actuators for drop ejection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying fluid flow management while maintaining effective drop ejection.
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 approach enhances nozzle health by reducing blockages and clogging, improves pigment-ink separation, and effectively manages waste heat, resulting in improved printing performance and extended decap time.
Implementation Method 1
thermal resistors or piezoelectric material membranes as actuators within fluidic chambers to eject fluid drops
Implementation Method 2
thermal resistors or piezoelectric material membranes as actuators within fluidic chambers to eject fluid drops
Implementation Method 3
micro-recirculation system within the fluid ejection die and a macro-recirculation system within the supporting body, which recirculates fluid through the fluid ejection chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid ejection device includes a fluid ejection die to eject drops of fluid and a body to support the fluid ejection die, with the fluid ejection die including a fluid ejection chamber, a drop ejecting element within the fluid ejection chamber, and a fluid feed hole communicated with the fluid ejection chamber, and with the body including a fluid feed slot communicated with the fluid feed hole of the fluid ejection die. The fluid ejection device includes a micro-recirculation system to recirculate fluid within the fluid ejection die through the fluid ejection chamber, and a macro-recirculation system to recirculate fluid within the body through the fluid feed slot across the fluid feed hole of the fluid ejection die.