Inkjet Head Pressure Chamber Orientation for High Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in achieving high-density channel arrangements and high resolution due to the need for channels with pressure chambers facing different directions, leading to increased head size and potential misalignment issues that affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet head is configured with channels in the same row having pressure chambers facing different directions, driven by the same circuit element or drive signal, allowing for high-density arrangement and correction of ink ejection characteristics to mitigate misalignment effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If channels are arranged in multiple rows with pressure chambers facing the same direction in each row, then misalignment between actuators and pressure chambers is reduced, but the head size increases and resolution is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (multiple rows with channels facing the same direction) to a three-dimensional arrangement (multiple layers with channels facing different directions). By stacking channels in different layers with different orientations, the patent achieves high-density arrangement while maintaining compact head size and improving alignment precision through the additional spatial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple channels with different pressure chamber orientations are integrated within a compact multi-layer head structure. Each layer contains channels with specific orientations, and layers are stacked to achieve high channel density while maintaining precise actuator-pressure chamber alignment.
2Area of stationary object
If channels are arranged in high density with pressure chambers facing different directions, then head size is reduced and resolution is improved, but misalignment between actuators and pressure chambers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multi-layer stacking to arrange channels with different pressure chamber orientations in three-dimensional space. This allows high channel density and compact head size while maintaining precise alignment through the vertical dimension, as each layer can be independently positioned and aligned with its corresponding actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different orientation configurations to different local regions (layers) of the inkjet head. Each layer is designed with channels facing specific directions optimized for that region, allowing local optimization of alignment precision while achieving overall high-density arrangement and compact size.
3Volume of moving object
If piezoelectric thin film is used for the actuator, then the inkjet head becomes compact and cost-effective, but the output is reduced and droplet amount cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator system into multiple independent piezoelectric thin film actuators, each driving individual channels or channel groups. This segmentation allows the system to achieve compact size through thin film technology while maintaining sufficient total output by distributing the driving function across multiple actuators operating in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple piezoelectric thin film actuators to work together in driving ink ejection. By merging the output of multiple compact actuators, the system achieves the necessary total driving force and droplet ejection capability while maintaining the compact size advantages of thin film technology.
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 enables high-density channel arrangement and high-resolution printing with a compact head, reducing image quality deterioration caused by misalignment and allowing for individual correction of ink ejection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric body 202, and an upper electrode 203 stacked in this order from the pressure chamber side. When voltage is applied from the drive circuit to the lower electrode and the upper electrode, the piezoelectric body 202 is stretched in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. Subsequently, the difference in length between the piezoelectric body 202 and the vibration plate 102 generates curvature on the vibration plate 102
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure chamber (P) in each of the individual channels (21a) of an inkjet head (21) is configured as a body that does not rotate with respect to the axis perpendicular to a support substrate (31) on which the pressure chambers (P) are formed. For a pressure chamber (P), the direction that corresponds to the angle of rotation from a reference position about the above-mentioned axis that passes through the pressure chamber (P) is defined as the orientation of the pressure chamber (P). A plurality of channels (21a) disposed in the same row in a direction parallel to the substrate include channels (21a1) and (21a2) in which the pressure chambers (P) have different orientations. In the same row, channels (e.g., channel (21a1)) driven by the same circuit element (e.g., circuit element (39a)) are disposed so that the pressure chambers (P) are oriented in the same direction.