Piezoelectric Liquid Ejector with Absorbing-Chamber Pressure Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face difficulties in simultaneously driving the ejection section for ink ejection and detecting changes in pressure within the ejection section.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a channel substrate with pressure chambers and absorbing chambers, a vibration plate, a first piezoelectric element to apply pressure, a second piezoelectric element to absorb vibrations, and a pressure detecting section to monitor pressure changes based on electromotive force, allowing simultaneous ejection and pressure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a switching section is used to switch between driving mode and detection mode, then the apparatus can detect pressure changes, but it cannot simultaneously drive the ejection section for ink ejection and detect pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration plate is divided into multiple regions with different functions: a first region overlapping the pressure chamber for ink ejection driven by a first piezoelectric element, and a second region overlapping the absorbing chamber for vibration absorption and pressure detection by a second piezoelectric element. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous ejection and detection operations without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing chamber acts as an intermediary structure that receives and absorbs liquid vibration from the pressure chamber. The second piezoelectric element in the absorbing chamber detects pressure changes through this intermediary medium, enabling detection during ejection operations without direct interference with the ejection process.
2Productivity
If the ejection section is driven for ink ejection, then ink can be ejected from the nozzle, but pressure changes in the ejection section cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration plate is segmented into functionally distinct regions: the first region for ejection driven by the first piezoelectric element, and the second region for pressure detection driven by the second piezoelectric element. This segmentation enables both ink ejection and pressure detection to occur simultaneously without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing chamber serves as an intermediary that captures liquid vibration propagating from the pressure chamber. The second piezoelectric element detects pressure changes through this intermediary structure, allowing continuous pressure monitoring during active ejection operations.
3Measurement precision
If pressure detection is performed separately from ejection operations, then pressure changes can be detected, but waiting time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure detection function operates continuously during ejection operations rather than sequentially. The second piezoelectric element in the absorbing chamber continuously monitors pressure changes while the first piezoelectric element performs ejection, eliminating waiting time and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection function and pressure detection function are merged into a single operational framework where both the first and second piezoelectric elements operate simultaneously. This merging allows ink ejection and pressure monitoring to occur in parallel, eliminating sequential waiting time.
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
Enables simultaneous operation of ink ejection and pressure detection during printing, reducing waiting times and maintaining print quality by detecting pressure changes in absorbing chambers even during ejection.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric element that is provided on a first surface, which is one surface of the vibration plate on a side opposite to a side on which the pressure chamber is present, at a position overlapping the pressure chamber when viewed in the stacking direction and that vibrates the vibration plate to apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
a second piezoelectric element that is provided on the first surface of the vibration plate at a position overlapping the absorbing chamber when viewed in the stacking direction and that deforms to absorb at least some of the vibration of the liquid propagated from the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 3
a pressure detecting section that detects, based on an electromotive force of the second piezoelectric element, pressure of the liquid in the absorbing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a channel substrate having one or more pressure chambers, an absorbing chamber that absorbs vibration of a liquid; a vibration plate that is stacked on the channel substrate; a first piezoelectric element that is provided on a first surface of the vibration plate, which is on a side opposite to a side on which the pressure chamber is present, at a position overlapping the pressure chamber when viewed and that vibrates the vibration plate to apply pressure to the liquid; a second piezoelectric element that is provided on the first surface of the vibration plate at a position overlapping the absorbing chamber and that deforms to absorb the vibration of the liquid propagated from the pressure chamber; and a pressure detecting section that detects, based on an electromotive force of the second piezoelectric element, pressure of the liquid in the absorbing chamber.