Inkjet Drive Waveform Timing for Satellite-Free Droplet Jetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing technologies face issues with unstable liquid droplet jetting due to thread formation and satellite generation, leading to image quality deterioration and device failure, which are not adequately addressed by existing techniques such as non-jetting pulses or micro-vibration pulses.
Innovation Solution
A drive waveform generation device and method that includes a jetting pulse group with specific timing and voltage swings to suppress thread-forming length and satellite generation, featuring a resonance pulse period and width-based timing for voltage swings to stabilize liquid droplet jetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a non jetting pulse with satellite suppression effect is applied in the first half of a waveform within one period, then satellite generation is suppressed, but satellite may still be generated in continuous jetting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The waveform is segmented into multiple periods, with different voltage swing configurations applied in different periods. Specifically, the invention uses a multi-period waveform where the first period includes a non jetting pulse for satellite suppression, while subsequent periods are configured for continuous stable jetting, thereby resolving the contradiction between satellite suppression and continuous jetting stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic waveforms with specific period ratios (e.g., the period of the first waveform is set to a specific ratio relative to the period of the second waveform) to create rhythmic voltage swings that suppress satellites during initialization while maintaining stable jetting during continuous operation. The periodic application of voltage swings at optimized intervals achieves both satellite suppression and jetting stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If a micro-vibration pulse is output to improve meniscus state after a jetting pulse, then meniscus state is improved, but satellite cannot be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single optimized waveform configuration. By carefully designing the voltage swing parameters (amplitude, duration, timing) within each waveform period, the invention simultaneously achieves meniscus stabilization and satellite suppression in a unified approach, rather than treating them as separate problems requiring separate pulses
3Length of moving object
If voltage swings are positioned at specific timing relative to resonance pulse period and width, then thread-forming length is suppressed, but requires precise timing control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention systematically varies key waveform parameters (voltage swing amplitude, pulse width, timing relative to resonance period) to optimize thread suppression. By establishing specific parameter relationships (e.g., voltage swing timing set to specific percentages of the resonance pulse period), the invention achieves effective thread control while providing clear guidelines that reduce control complexity
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 proposed solution effectively suppresses thread formation and satellite generation, enhancing jetting stability and reducing mist, thereby improving image quality and preventing device failures.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid droplet jetting element that pressurizes a liquid in the pressure chamber according to a supplied drive waveform
Implementation Method 2
assuming that a period of two jetting pulses in which a velocity of the liquid droplet jetted in the two jetting pulses is the fastest is a resonance pulse period
Implementation Method 3
a voltage swing for preventing the liquid droplet from being jetted from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A drive waveform generated by a processor includes, within one drive period, a jetting pulse group for jetting a liquid droplet from a nozzle, and a voltage swing for preventing the liquid droplet from being jetted from the nozzle, three or more voltage swings are disposed after a first jetting pulse which is a last jetting pulse in the jetting pulse group, a start end of a first voltage swing immediately after the first jetting pulse is disposed at a position separated from a start end of the first jetting pulse by about a resonance pulse period, and a start end of a second voltage swing immediately after the first voltage swing is disposed at a position separated from the start end of the first voltage swing by about a resonance pulse width.