Ink Jet Printer Actuator Potential Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face issues where electric charges from the print medium can cause components of the ink, mainly hydrogen ions, to enter the actuator, leading to the formation of hydrogen gas and potential damage due to the separation of layers within the actuator.
Innovation Solution
The ink jet printer maintains the electric potential of the ink passage body at or below the electric potential of the second electrode, preventing hydrogen ions from entering the actuator and thus avoiding damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the print medium is charged, then the electric charge is conveyed from the print medium to the ink passage body, but the components of the ink (mainly hydrogen ions) are attracted towards the actuator and may enter the actuator, causing hydrogen gas formation and layer separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by connecting the ink passage body to the second electrode through a conductive structure, ensuring both components maintain the same electric potential. This eliminates the electric potential difference that would otherwise attract hydrogen ions from the ink passage body toward the actuator, preventing hydrogen gas formation and layer separation in the piezoelectric element.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an insulator is used in the middle layer between the second electrode and the ink passage body, then the piezoelectric element can contract in the planar direction, but the ink passage body may become charged and attract hydrogen ions towards the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the insulating middle layer with a conductive structure that electrically connects the ink passage body to the second electrode. This maintains the piezoelectric layer's ability to contract in the planar direction while simultaneously preventing charge accumulation on the ink passage body, thereby eliminating the attraction of hydrogen ions toward the actuator and preventing layer separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive structure serving as the middle layer acts as an intermediary that performs dual functions: it allows mechanical transmission for piezoelectric contraction while providing electrical connectivity to maintain equipotential conditions. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both the stability needed for contraction and the electrical connectivity needed to prevent harmful ion attraction.
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 configuration ensures the longevity and stability of ink discharging performance by preventing hydrogen ions from entering the actuator, thereby maintaining the integrity of the actuator units and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
When an electric potential difference is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the piezoelectric layer may contract in a planar direction
Implementation Method 2
The components of the ink (mainly hydrogen ions) within the ink passage body are attracted towards the actuator (the second electrode)
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet printer is provided with an ink jet head. The ink jet head includes an ink passage body and an actuator. The ink passage body includes a nozzle, an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a pressure chamber located between the nozzle and the ink chamber. The actuator includes a piezoelectric element facing the pressure chamber. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode connected with a front face of the piezoelectric layer, a second electrode connected with a back face of the piezoelectric layer, and a first insulator located between the second electrode and the ink passage body. The ink jet printer further includes a device for maintaining the electric potentials of the ink passage body and the second electrode such that the electric potential of the ink passage body is equal to or below the electric potential of the second electrode.