Inkjet Nozzle Inlet Geometry to Prevent Particle Precipitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The lifetime of inkjet printing apparatus heads is reduced due to the precipitation of solid particles in the nozzle parts, which affects the efficiency and reliability of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet printing apparatus is designed with a nozzle part that includes an internal flow path, an entrance area with an acute-angled inlet, and a pressure part using a piezoelectric element to apply pressure, ensuring that the ink passes through a sequence of areas without precipitating solid particles, thereby maintaining the nozzle's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the nozzle part has a conventional inlet design, then the structure is simple, but solid particles precipitate in the nozzle part reducing lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet of the nozzle part is designed with a curved surface instead of a sharp edge, creating a smooth transition for ink flow. This curvature prevents turbulence and reduces particle precipitation, thereby extending nozzle lifetime while adding minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet structure extends in the third direction (depth) to create a gradually widening passage. This dimensional approach allows ink to flow smoothly from the internal flow path into the nozzle opening, preventing particle accumulation without significantly increasing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the entrance area width increases in the second direction, then inflow resistance is reduced, but the inlet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The entrance area is designed to dynamically widen in the second direction, creating a gradual expansion that reduces inflow resistance. This dynamic geometric progression allows smooth ink flow acceleration while maintaining a compact overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The entrance area structure is nested within the existing nozzle part geometry, utilizing the available space efficiently. The widening entrance is integrated into the nozzle body without requiring external additions, reducing overall device complexity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the inclined surface defines the entrance area with an acute angle, then solid particle precipitation is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet is designed with a specific acute angle parameter that optimizes particle flow characteristics. By carefully selecting this angular parameter, the design prevents particle precipitation while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The acute angled inclined surface is applied locally at the inlet region where particle flow control is most critical. This localized quality change prevents particle accumulation at the entrance without requiring precision control throughout the entire nozzle structure
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
The design prevents the precipitation of solid particles, enhances the lifetime of the nozzle parts, and reduces inflow resistance, ensuring consistent and reliable inkjet printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure part using a piezoelectric element to apply pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing apparatus may include a stage on which a substrate is seated; a nozzle part disposed above the stage and spraying an ink onto the substrate, the ink containing a solvent and solid substances; and a head part that supplies the ink to the nozzle part. The nozzle part includes an internal flow path extended in a first direction, through which the ink is supplied from the head prat; and an inlet in which an entrance area is defined. The ink is introduced in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the internal flow path through the entrance area. The inlet includes an inclined surface adjacent to the entrance area and defining the entrance area; and a flat surface parallel to the first direction. An angle between the inclined surface and the flat surface is an acute angle.