Inkjet Nozzle Evaporator for Solvent-Evaporation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems face reliability issues due to the deposition of dried ink residuals at the nozzles, which can be exacerbated by the evaporation of solvent at the nozzles.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates gas ducts within the print head that feed a gas through an evaporator to increase the concentration of a substance in the gas before it reaches the nozzles, creating an atmosphere less conducive to ink evaporation, while also using separate gas ducts to expedite drying on the target and remove excess gas to maintain stable atmospheric conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas is fed through gas ducts to the nozzles to expedite drying, then drying speed on target is improved, but ink solvent evaporation at nozzles increases causing reliability degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply system is divided into separate gas ducts: one set for feeding gas to the target area to expedite drying, and another set for feeding saturated gas to the nozzles to prevent solvent evaporation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of drying speed and nozzle reliability without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
An evaporator is introduced as an intermediary component that saturates the gas with ink solvent vapor before the gas reaches the nozzles. This intermediary process creates a protective atmosphere around the nozzles that prevents excessive solvent evaporation while still allowing the gas to function as a carrier for expedited drying on the target.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gas flow is increased to remove excess gas and maintain stable atmospheric conditions, then atmospheric stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control to monitor and adjust gas flow rates, ensuring that excess gas is removed and atmospheric conditions remain stable. The gas sources and sinks are regulated to maintain optimal gas composition and flow, preventing energy waste from excessive gas circulation while preserving atmospheric stability.
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 design significantly reduces the evaporation of ink solvent at the nozzles, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the printing process by minimizing nozzle clogging and ensuring uniform drying on the target.
Implementation Method 1
At least one evaporator arranged along first gas ducts before the nozzles: This evaporator is adapted to evaporate at least one fluid into the gas before it arrives at the nozzles.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing system includes a print head with a plurality of ink nozzles arranged in recesses on the print head. Gas from a first gas source is conveyed through first gas ducts and fed to the recesses. An evaporator is arranged along the first gas ducts before the nozzles, saturating the gas with solvent, which prevents undesired evaporation of ink at the ink nozzles. The printing system further includes second gas ducts feeding dry gas to the region between the print head and the target as well as third gas ducts for carrying off gas from the first and second air ducts.