Inkjet Printer Diaphragm Flatness Control for Crosstalk Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers experience crosstalk between pressure chambers, leading to variations in diaphragm displacement and ink droplet velocity, resulting in lower image quality due to complex configurations and control requirements.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet printer employs a controller to set the diaphragm to a flat orientation during standby periods, with a deflection ratio within ±0.7% and a flatness of 0% to +7%, using voltage control to maintain the diaphragm in a flat state, reducing crosstalk-induced displacement variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pressure is exerted on one pressure chamber but not on a neighboring pressure chamber, then the diaphragm covering the first pressure chamber deflects into the pressure chamber, but the partition between the neighboring pressure chambers leans into the first pressure chamber, causing increased displacement and crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-deflecting the diaphragm to a flat or slightly convex state before ink ejection. This is achieved by controlling the initial position of the diaphragm using the piezoelectric element and pressure chamber configuration, so that when ink is ejected, the diaphragm deflects symmetrically without causing partition tilting or crosstalk to neighboring chambers.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional pressure adjustment methods are used to adjust diaphragm deflection, then the deflection can be controlled, but the configuration becomes complex and control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the initial deflection position of the diaphragm through the piezoelectric element's response to applied voltage. By adjusting the voltage parameters applied to the piezoelectric element, the diaphragm's initial position is controlled to be flat or slightly convex, achieving precise deflection control without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the diaphragm is allowed to deflect freely during standby, then the configuration is simpler, but the displacement variation due to crosstalk increases, leading to ink droplet velocity fluctuation and lower image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the diaphragm in a flat or slightly convex state during standby periods. This preliminary positioning is achieved through the piezoelectric element and pressure chamber design, ensuring that when ink ejection occurs, the diaphragm deflects symmetrically without causing partition tilting or crosstalk, thereby maintaining consistent ink droplet velocity and high image quality.
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 stabilizes diaphragm displacement, minimizing ink droplet velocity fluctuations and enhancing image quality by simplifying the construction and control of the inkjet printer, while maintaining high resolution and avoiding the need for increased partition thickness or device size.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element for, in response to a driving signal, producing volume displacement in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
vibrate diaphragms covering the pressure chambers in order to change the pressure in the pressure chambers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An inkjet printer comprising a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of pressure chambers, a plurality of diaphragms, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a controller. Each of the plurality of diaphragms is deflected between a first state and a second state. The controller is configured to control voltage application to each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. When a diaphragm is in the first state, the controller applies a first voltage so that the diaphragm is substantially flat; and when the diaphragm is in the second state, the controller applies a second voltage. The controller is configured to control the voltage such that a pressure chamber ejects an ink droplet from the corresponding nozzle in response to the deflection of the diaphragm reverting from the second state to the first state.