Ink Jet Head Driving Pulse Method for Satellite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face issues with satellite droplets forming during ink discharge, leading to printing quality degradation such as unevenness and ghosting, as existing methods either prevent satellite formation by reducing piezoelectric actuator voltage, which in turn slows down main droplet discharge speed, compromising stability.
Innovation Solution
A driving method for the ink jet head that applies a first pulse to expand the pressure chamber volume, followed by a second pulse to reduce it immediately before ink drop separation, optimizing the timing and voltage patterns of the driving signal to prevent satellite formation while maintaining stable discharge speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the driving voltage of the piezoelectric actuator is reduced to prevent satellite formation, then satellite occurrence is suppressed, but the discharge speed of main droplets slows down and discharge stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The driving pulse is divided into two distinct phases: a first pulse that expands the pressure chamber volume to generate initial pressure oscillation for stable discharge, and a second pulse that reduces the volume to suppress satellite formation. This segmentation allows each phase to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining discharge stability and preventing satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic pressure oscillation through sequential pulse application. The first pulse creates an expansion phase that promotes stable main droplet discharge, followed by a second pulse that creates a compression phase to prevent satellite formation. This periodic action pattern enables the system to achieve both stable discharge and satellite suppression.
2Reliability
If the discharge speed of main droplets is increased to maintain stability, then discharge stability is improved, but satellite formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first pulse is applied in advance to expand the pressure chamber volume and establish stable pressure oscillation before the main droplet discharge occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the pressure field is ready to support stable discharge at high speed, while the subsequent second pulse prevents satellite formation during the discharge process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the pressure chamber volume through sequential pulse application. The volume is first expanded to facilitate stable high-speed discharge, then compressed to prevent satellite formation. This dynamic volume adjustment allows the system to optimize discharge stability while suppressing satellites throughout the discharge process.
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 effectively suppresses satellite formation without impairing the stability of main droplet discharge, ensuring high-quality printing by adjusting the pulse widths and timing of the driving signal to match the pressure propagation time, thereby maintaining discharge speed and preventing satellite occurrence.
Implementation Method 1
When the piezoelectric actuators are driven, pressure oscillation is applied to the pressure chambers corresponding to the actuators. Due to the pressure oscillation, the volume inside the pressure chamber is changed and the ink drops are discharged from the nozzles corresponding to the pressure chambers.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a driving method of an ink jet head includes applying a first pulse for expanding volume of a pressure chamber in which an ink is accommodated to an actuator for applying oscillation to the pressure chamber and applying a second pulse for reducing volume of the pressure chamber to the actuator immediately before ink drops discharged from a nozzle which is communicated with the pressure chamber are separated from the nozzle.