Inkjet Print Head Nozzle Drive System with Meniscus Activation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet print heads face challenges in maintaining nozzle readiness due to changes in ink properties, leading to potential nozzle malfunction or varied performance, especially during idle periods or when not actively printing.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a nozzle controller and MAP controller that provides meniscus activation pulses (MAPs) to each nozzle, allowing a configurable delay in fire signals to ensure meniscus activation is complete before common drive signals are applied, maintaining ink condition and print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common drive signal is provided to all nozzles without individual timing control, then the drive system is simple and operation is easy, but nozzles may not be ready for jetting due to ink property changes leading to print quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the common drive signal into individual nozzle-specific signals by introducing a nozzle controller associated with each nozzle. This allows the common drive signal to be distributed with individual timing control to each nozzle based on its readiness status, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and nozzle reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary meniscus activation pulses (MAPs) before the common drive signal is applied to each nozzle. This preliminary action ensures ink is ready for jetting by activating the meniscus in advance, allowing the nozzle to be primed before the main jetting operation occurs.
2Reliability
If meniscus activation pulses are provided frequently to maintain nozzle readiness, then nozzle performance is improved, but printing speed and productivity are reduced due to signal delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the MAP signaling dynamic by monitoring nozzle readiness status and providing MAPs only when needed rather than at fixed intervals. The system adapts the timing and frequency of MAPs based on actual nozzle conditions, allowing faster printing when nozzles are ready and providing MAPs only when readiness is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle controller autonomously monitors its own readiness status and requests MAPs only when necessary, eliminating the need for continuous external monitoring and control. This self-service approach maintains nozzle readiness while minimizing interruptions to the printing process.
3Reliability
If a fixed delay is introduced for meniscus activation, then ink condition is maintained properly, but the timing of fire waveforms is altered affecting print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different timing characteristics to different nozzles based on their individual readiness status. Each nozzle receives MAPs and fire waveforms with timing optimized for its specific condition, rather than applying a uniform delay to all nozzles. This local quality approach maintains ink condition while preserving print positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the timing parameters of drive signals based on nozzle readiness status. When a nozzle is ready, fire waveforms are sent immediately; when not ready, MAPs are provided first with appropriate timing adjustments. This parameter adaptation ensures both proper ink conditioning and accurate print positioning.
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 ensures that nozzles are consistently primed and ready for printing, reducing the need for frequent priming or cleaning, and maintaining print quality by allowing sufficient time for meniscus activation without disrupting the sequence of fire waveforms.
Implementation Method 1
each of which comprise a piezoelectric actuator/transducer that is arranged to force ink from the nozzle when activated
Implementation Method 2
meniscus activation is determined by a meniscus activation pulse, MAP, signal to that nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive system for a plurality of individually switched nozzles with common drive signals of an inkjet print head, the system comprising: a nozzle controller associated with each nozzle whereby meniscus activation is determined by a meniscus activation pulse,MAP,signal to that nozzle; and a MAP controller defining a parameter for each nozzle and such that the parameter is monitored by the MAP controller whereby a MAP signal is provided to the nozzle controller as required dependent upon the parameter, each nozzle configured whereby once the MAP signal is provided to provide meniscus activation at the nozzle any further nozzle fire signals,in the form of the common drive signals after the MAP signal, are delayed at least until the meniscus activation at the nozzle is complete whilst the nozzle controller ensures all the nozzle fire signals as common drive signals remain in sequence with each other..