Liquid Discharge Drive Waveform for Satellite Droplet Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in suppressing satellite droplets and mist formation during the discharge process, particularly due to the timing and amplitude of non-discharge and discharge pulses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a drive waveform that includes a non-discharge pulse, a discharge pulse with a contraction waveform element, and a contraction waveform element applied after the discharge pulse, with specific timing and amplitude relationships to minimize satellite droplets and mist formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional discharge pulse is used to discharge liquid droplets, then the liquid discharge function is achieved, but satellite droplets and mist are generated due to subsequent effects
Solution Approach 1:
A non-discharge pulse is applied before the discharge pulse to pre-excite the liquid meniscus in the resonance direction. This preliminary action prepares the liquid surface to respond more cleanly to the subsequent discharge pulse, preventing the formation of satellite droplets and mist by counteracting the subsequent effects that would otherwise cause irregular discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The drive waveform utilizes periodic pulsing with specific timing relationships. The non-discharge pulse and discharge pulse are timed according to the liquid meniscus resonance period, creating a periodic excitation pattern that optimizes droplet formation and eliminates satellite droplets through resonant control
2Device complexity
If the timing interval between non-discharge pulse and discharge pulse is not optimized, then the drive waveform is simple, but satellite droplets occur due to mismatched timing with liquid vibration period
Solution Approach 1:
The drive waveform employs periodic pulsing where the time interval between the non-discharge pulse and discharge pulse is set to a specific relationship with the liquid meniscus resonance period. This periodic timing ensures that the liquid surface is properly excited and settled, achieving satellite-less discharge through resonant synchronization rather than through complex waveform structures
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 approach effectively suppresses satellite droplets and mist by optimizing the wave height values and timing of the pulses, achieving a satellite-less state and reduced mist occurrence.
Implementation Method 1
When the reference character Vp1 represents the wave height value of the non-discharge pulse, the reference character Td represents the time interval between the non-discharge pulse and the discharge pulse, and the reference character Tc represents the natural vibration period, the time interval Td falls within the range of Tc−0.2Tc to Tc+0.45Tc
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head including a pressure chamber and a nozzle, the head configured to discharge a liquid in the pressure chamber from the nozzle; circuitry configured to generate a drive waveform including multiple drive pulses to be applied to the head, the drive waveform successively including, in time series: a non-discharge pulse that does not cause the head to discharge the liquid from the nozzle; a latter discharge pulse after the non-discharge pulse, the latter discharge pulse including a contraction waveform element that contracts the pressure chamber to discharge the liquid from the nozzle; and a contraction waveform including the contraction waveform element that contracts the pressure chamber.