Interdigitated Nozzle Primitives for Inkjet Cross-Talk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printer cartridges experience cross-talk issues due to the reduction in addresses per primitive as electrical frequency increases, leading to puddling from neighboring nozzles firing too close together, which is not effectively mitigated by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The interdigitation of nozzle addresses across multiple primitives, where every other primitive is fired in separate time series pulse propagations, reduces cross-talk by altering the firing order and introducing propagation delays to manage nozzle firing sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical frequency is increased to improve printing speed, then productivity increases, but cross-talk between neighboring nozzles worsens causing ink puddling
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is divided into multiple primitives (groups of nozzles), and each primitive is fired in separate time series pulse propagations. This segmentation allows control over the firing sequence to prevent cross-talk while maintaining high printing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Interdigitated primitives are fired in an alternating periodic pattern rather than sequential order. This periodic action introduces propagation delays that space out the firing of neighboring nozzles, preventing ink puddling while sustaining high electrical frequency operation.
2Speed
If addresses per primitive are reduced to increase electrical frequency, then printing speed improves, but nozzle firing density increases causing cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the nozzle array into multiple primitives and interdigitating them, the system can operate at higher electrical frequencies with fewer addresses per primitive while preventing cross-talk through spatial separation of firing events.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating periodic firing pattern of interdigitated primitives creates temporal spacing between nozzle firings, allowing higher electrical frequency operation without cross-talk by ensuring neighboring nozzles do not fire too close together.
3Productivity
If neighboring nozzles are fired close together to maintain high printing speed, then productivity is maintained, but ink misplacement and puddling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating periodic firing pattern of interdigitated primitives introduces controlled propagation delays that space out neighboring nozzle firings, preventing ink puddling and maintaining placement accuracy while sustaining high printing speed through efficient pulse propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
Segmenting the nozzle array into interdigitated primitives allows the system to maintain high productivity by processing multiple nozzle groups in parallel while ensuring proper spacing between firings to prevent ink misplacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Printing devices and methods are described. An array of ink nozzles can be arranged in a number of primitives, wherein a first primitive of the number of primitives is interdigitated with a second primitive.