Fluidic Die With Flexible FET Arrays For Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic dies face challenges in efficiently processing small volumes of fluid due to varying electrical demands of different fluid actuators, which require customized field effect transistor (FET) configurations that are not easily adaptable across different designs.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible arrangements of field effect transistors on substrates, with connecting members to interconnect FETs in sets of varying numbers based on the operating parameters of fluid actuators, allowing for optimal energy delivery and efficient processing across different types of fluid actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If customized FET configurations are used for different fluid actuators, then the control precision and performance are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal FET configuration where multiple fluid actuators can share the same FET circuitry. The fluidic die includes a substrate with multiple fluid actuators, each having a fluid chamber and nozzle, where multiple actuators are controlled through shared FETs rather than requiring dedicated customized FET configurations for each actuator. This reduces device complexity while maintaining control precision through the universal control architecture.
2Use of energy by moving object
If varying numbers of FETs are interconnected for different fluid actuators, then the energy delivery optimization is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple FETs into integrated control circuits that can serve multiple fluid actuators. The interconnection structure combines FETs in configurations where series and parallel arrangements are implemented through unified circuit designs, allowing optimized energy delivery to different actuators while simplifying the manufacturing process through standardized integration rather than individual customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities where the same FET configuration can adapt to different fluid actuators with varying energy requirements. The control system can dynamically adjust the operation of shared FETs to optimize energy delivery for each actuator based on its specific needs, rather than requiring static customized configurations for each actuator type.
3Reliability
If dedicated FET configurations are implemented for each fluid actuator, then the control performance is improved, but the adaptability across different designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control platform where the same FET configuration and interconnection structure can be applied across different fluid actuator designs. The fluidic die architecture allows the shared FET circuits to control various types of fluid actuators with different chamber volumes, nozzle configurations, and fluid properties, thereby maintaining high control performance while achieving design adaptability through the universal control mechanism.
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 the processing efficiency of fluidic dies by enabling tailored FET configurations for each fluid actuator, improving the control and performance of fluid ejection and manipulation processes.
Implementation Method 1
field effect transistors (FETs) which may be connected to the fluid actuators. Accordingly, electrical control of the connected FETs may enable selective control of fluid actuators of the fluidic die
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric membrane-based actuator
Implementation Method 3
a thermal resistor-based actuator
Implementation Method 4
an electrostatic membrane actuator
Implementation Method 5
a magneto-strictive drive actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples include a fluidic die. The fluidic die comprises an array of field effect transistors. Connecting members electrically connect at least some of the field effect transistors of the array of field effect transistors, and the field effect transistors of the array are arranged into respective sets of field effect transistors. The fluidic die further comprises a first fluid actuator connected to a first set of field effect transistors having a first number of field effect transistors. The die includes a second fluid actuator connected to a second respective set of field effect transistors having a second number of field effect transistors that is different than the first number of field effect transistors.