Inkjet Head Ejection Pulse Segmentation for Printing Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet heads face challenges in shortening the ejection pulse duration to increase printing speed, which affects the efficiency of ink droplet ejection and image formation on printing media.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet head employs an ejection pulse comprising an expansion pulse with a width of 0.75 to 1.25 times the pressure propagation time, followed by a rest period and a contraction pulse, to effectively eject ink droplets and improve printing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ejection pulse width is shortened to increase printing speed, then productivity is improved, but the ejection stability and droplet formation quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection pulse is segmented into three distinct phases: expansion pulse (causing pressure chamber expansion), rest period (allowing pressure equalization), and contraction pulse (causing pressure chamber contraction). This segmentation enables each phase to be optimized independently, allowing shortened overall pulse width while maintaining stable droplet ejection through proper timing of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection pulse employs periodic action with alternating expansion and contraction phases separated by a rest period. This periodic structure creates controlled pressure variations that reliably generate stable droplets even when the total pulse duration is reduced, thereby improving printing speed without sacrificing ejection stability.
2Loss of time
If the ejection pulse width is reduced to increase printing speed, then loss of time is reduced, but the ejection pulse effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion pulse is applied before the contraction pulse, preliminarily creating pressure conditions that facilitate subsequent droplet ejection. The rest period follows the expansion pulse to allow pressure equalization before contraction begins. This preliminary action sequence ensures effective ejection within a shortened overall pulse duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection pulse dynamically transitions between expansion and contraction phases with a rest period in between, adapting the pressure chamber volume actively during the ejection process. This dynamic control enables effective droplet ejection with reduced pulse width compared to static or single-phase pulse designs.
3Speed
If the expansion pulse width is optimized to improve droplet ejection speed, then speed of droplet ejection is improved, but the pressure chamber control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion pulse width is specifically set to 0.75 to 1.25 times the pressure propagation time of the pressure chamber, optimizing the timing parameter for maximum droplet ejection speed. This parameter optimization achieves high ejection speed while maintaining relatively simple control logic based on a clear mathematical relationship with pressure propagation characteristics.
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 allows for a reduction in the ejection pulse width, enabling faster printing by optimizing the expansion and contraction of the pressure chamber, thereby enhancing the ejection speed and stability of ink droplets.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator which causes a pressure chamber to expand or contract according to application of voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more embodiments, the inkjet head includes an actuator and a driver. The actuator causes a pressure chamber to expand or contract. The driver applies an ejection pulse to the actuator to eject ink from the pressure chamber. The ejection pulse includes an expansion pulse having a width of 0.75 to 1.25 times a pressure propagation time of the pressure chamber, a rest period after the expansion pulse, and a contraction pulse after the rest period.