Magnetic Insulator Solenoids for Inkjet Printheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet printhead actuator devices face issues with mutual electromagnetic interference between solenoids, leading to inaccurate control and increased size, as well as high temperatures that degrade performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of insulator elements made of magnetic materials, such as permalloy, to reduce electromagnetic interference between solenoids, combined with a containment body featuring cooling conduits to lower operating temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If solenoids are placed closer together to reduce device size, then the overall size of the actuator device is reduced, but mutual electromagnetic interference between solenoids increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic insulator elements are introduced as intermediary components positioned between adjacent solenoids. These insulator elements act as mediators that block or redirect magnetic field lines, preventing direct magnetic coupling between neighboring solenoids. The insulator elements are made of magnetically permeable materials that provide a preferred path for magnetic flux, effectively shielding adjacent solenoids from electromagnetic interference while allowing the solenoids to be placed in close proximity, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and electromagnetic interference reduction.
2Power
If solenoids operate at high temperatures, then the electromagnetic field strength is maintained, but the performance of individual solenoids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generation problem is extracted and separated from the solenoid operation by introducing dedicated cooling conduits. These conduits form a separate thermal management system that circulates coolant through channels positioned around the solenoids. This extraction allows the solenoids to maintain their electromagnetic field strength while the cooling system actively removes excess heat, preventing temperature-related performance deterioration and extending the operational reliability of the solenoids.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If distance between solenoids is increased to reduce interference, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the overall size of the actuator device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic insulator elements serve as compact intermediary structures that fit in the narrow gaps between adjacent solenoids. These insulators provide effective magnetic shielding without requiring large separation distances. By placing these thin insulator elements directly between solenoid cores, the patent achieves significant reduction in electromagnetic interference while maintaining a compact overall device size, effectively resolving the contradiction between interference reduction and size minimization.
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 solution effectively minimizes electromagnetic interference, allowing for closer solenoid placement, reducing device size, and significantly lowers operating temperatures, thereby enhancing the accuracy and performance of the actuator device.
Implementation Method 1
The use of insulator elements made of magnetic materials, such as permalloy, to reduce electromagnetic interference between solenoids
Implementation Method 2
a containment body featuring cooling conduits to lower operating temperatures
Implementation Method 3
cooling conduits
Implementation Method 4
Each solenoid comprises a ferromagnetic core inserted concentrically in the coil, the feeding of which allows to produce an electromagnetic field that causes the displacement of the core
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator device, particularly for ink-jet heads, comprising: two or more electromagnetic actuators or solenoids (S), each comprising a ferromagnetic core (2), and a conductive winding or coil (4), arranged concentrically to the ferromagnetic core (2); a containment body (5), which encloses the electromagnetic actuators (S); an insulator element (1) for each solenoid (S). Each insulator element (1) is made of a magnetic material and is disposed at least partially in proximity of a respective solenoid (S).