Liquid Ejecting Head Nozzle Offset Asymmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting heads face challenges in achieving high dot density and image quality due to regular dark or light spots caused by uniform nozzle positions, which are influenced by processing errors and result in visible stripes in the printed image.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting head is designed with nozzles arranged in multiple rows where each nozzle opens at different positions on the bottom surfaces of partial channels, allowing for a staggered or meandering pattern, increasing the distance between nozzle openings and reducing the regularity of ink ejection, thus minimizing the visibility of dark or light spots and enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nozzles are arranged in regular positions across multiple rows, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but regular dark or light spots appear in the printed image reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by varying the positions of nozzle openings relative to their respective partial channel bottom surfaces across different nozzle rows. Instead of uniform positioning, the nozzle openings are deliberately offset in different directions and magnitudes for each row, creating an asymmetric arrangement that disrupts the regularity causing dark or light spots while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic variation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions (nozzle rows) to have different nozzle positioning characteristics. Each nozzle row has specifically designed offset patterns tailored to its position, creating local variations in nozzle arrangement that collectively eliminate the regular spot pattern while maintaining overall system consistency and manufacturability.
2Manufacturing precision
If nozzles in different rows are positioned to increase dot density, then the printing resolution improves, but processing errors cause visible stripes in the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry to counteract the regularity that amplifies processing errors. By introducing asymmetric offsets in nozzle positions across rows, the systematic errors that would otherwise create visible stripes are distributed irregularly, making them imperceptible in the final printed image while preserving the high dot density achieved through multiple nozzle rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the stripe problem by introducing variation in the second scanning direction (perpendicular to the primary scanning direction). Instead of only varying nozzle positions along the scanning direction, the invention creates dimensional diversity by offsetting nozzles across multiple rows in the transverse direction, effectively distributing processing errors across a broader spatial dimension and reducing their visual impact.
3Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are arranged in a staggered pattern with varying positions, then image quality improves by reducing dark or light spots, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages design complexity through local quality by implementing systematic variation patterns rather than completely random or individually optimized positions. Each nozzle row follows a defined offset pattern relative to its partial channel bottom surface, creating manageable local variations that can be designed and manufactured using standardized processes while still achieving the goal of eliminating dark or light spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by using repeating patterns of nozzle offsets across multiple rows. Rather than requiring unique positions for every single nozzle, the invention employs periodic variation where offset patterns repeat at regular intervals, significantly reducing design complexity while maintaining the effectiveness of disrupting regular dark or light spot formation.
Data Source
AI summary
An ejection surface extends in a first direction as a scanning direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and is externally exposed. A plurality of nozzles opens at the ejection surface. A plurality of partial channels is located inside the ejection surface, and at bottom surfaces on a side of the ejection surface, the nozzles open. The plurality of nozzles is arranged in a direction intersecting with the first direction in plural rows to constitute a plurality of nozzle rows. The number of the nozzles arranged in each row is greater than the number of the plural rows. Between the nozzles in each nozzle row, the nozzles in other nozzle rows appear as seen in the first direction. A position of openings in the bottom surfaces of the partial channels differs across at least some of the nozzles in each nozzle row.