Liquid Ejection Device Shortens Droplet Formation Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection devices face workability issues due to long droplet formation distances when ejecting liquids at high speeds, requiring large working spaces.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection device equipped with a nozzle, liquid transport pipe, and a vibrator that generates a vibration frequency higher than the self-droplet formation frequency, effectively shortening the droplet formation distance by pulsating the liquid in the transport direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid is ejected at high speed to improve productivity, then ejection efficiency is improved, but droplet formation distance becomes long requiring large working space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the liquid jet using a vibrator that generates vibrations at a frequency higher than the self-droplet formation frequency. This vibration causes the liquid to oscillate and break into droplets more rapidly, significantly shortening the droplet formation distance while maintaining high ejection speeds. The vibration frequency is specifically controlled to be above the natural droplet formation frequency to achieve optimal droplet generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vibration frequency parameter to resolve the contradiction. By setting the vibration frequency to be higher than the self-droplet formation frequency, the system achieves rapid droplet formation. This parameter change allows the liquid to form droplets over a shorter distance while maintaining high ejection velocity, thus improving productivity without requiring large working space.
2Ease of operation
If droplet formation distance is shortened to improve workability, then working space requirement is reduced, but liquid ejection speed must be decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrator applies mechanical oscillations to the liquid jet, causing it to destabilize and break into droplets more quickly. This vibration-induced droplet formation mechanism allows the system to achieve short droplet formation distances while maintaining high ejection speeds, thereby improving workability without sacrificing liquid ejection velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic vibration at a frequency higher than the self-droplet formation frequency to induce regular droplet formation. This periodic mechanical action creates consistent droplet generation along the liquid jet, enabling short droplet formation distance while preserving high ejection speed, thus improving ease of operation.
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 device achieves a significant reduction in droplet formation distance, enhancing workability by allowing efficient liquid ejection even in confined spaces with consistent droplet formation and impact pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator that generates a vibration frequency higher than the self-droplet formation frequency, effectively shortening the droplet formation distance by pulsating the liquid in the transport direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection device includes: a nozzle through which a liquid is ejected; a liquid transport pipe that transports the liquid to the nozzle; and a vibrator that is configured to generate a vibration. The vibrator is in contact with at least one of the liquid, the nozzle, and the liquid transport pipe, and a vibration frequency generated by the vibrator is higher than a self-droplet formation frequency, the self-droplet formation frequency is defined as the number of droplets of the liquid passing through a predetermined position per unit time in a state in which the vibrator does not generate the vibration.