Inkjet Nozzle Stabilizing Bar for Satellite Droplet Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printheads face challenges with satellite droplet formation due to asymmetry, leading to reduced print quality as satellites land at different positions on the print media.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet nozzle device with a non-heating stabilizing bar extending across the nozzle aperture, providing consistent and repeatable venting of gas bubbles, which reduces satellite droplet formation and improves print quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional nozzle aperture without stabilizing bar is used, then the device complexity is lower, but satellite droplet formation increases and print quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle aperture is segmented by the stabilizing bar into multiple regions, creating a structured flow path that controls droplet formation and reduces satellite droplets while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing bar acts as an intermediary element within the nozzle aperture, mediating the ink flow and gas bubble venting process to achieve consistent droplet ejection and improved print quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If gas bubble venting is chaotic and non-repeatable, then the device structure is simpler, but droplet formation consistency deteriorates and satellite droplets increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet formation consistencyVSAvoidventing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing bar is positioned in advance within the nozzle aperture to pre-organize the gas bubble venting path, ensuring consistent and repeatable venting behavior that leads to reliable droplet formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing bar changes the physical parameters of the nozzle aperture, creating defined flow channels that transform chaotic gas bubble venting into a controlled, repeatable process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 stabilizing bar results in fewer satellites and enhanced print quality by ensuring consistent droplet formation, as evidenced by experimental photographs showing cleaner droplets without trailing satellites.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element for generating gas bubbles in the firing chamber so as to eject ink through the nozzle aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas bubble generation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

the stabilizing bar provides more consistent venting of gas bubbles via the nozzle aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas venting:

Implementation Method 3

The heating bar actuates droplet ejection by lowering the surface tension of an ink meniscus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction:

Data Source

PatentUS9289986B2Inkjet nozzle device configured for minimizing satellite droplets

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 MEMJET TECH LTD

AI summary

An inkjet nozzle device includes: a firing chamber having a nozzle aperture; and a heating element for generating gas bubbles in the firing chamber so as to eject ink through the nozzle aperture. A non-heating stabilizing bar extends across the nozzle aperture.