Meniscus Vibration for Inkjet Nozzle Air Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet heads face challenges in efficiently removing air from channels and reducing liquid consumption due to increased pressure leading to ink leakage from nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a channel unit, reservoir unit, supply channel, drainage channel, and meniscus vibrator that increases the withstanding pressure of menisci in nozzles by vibrating them during liquid drainage, allowing for higher air removal efficiency and reduced liquid consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressure of ink supplied from the supply port is increased to improve air removal efficiency, then the air removal efficiency is improved, but the ink leaks from the nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the meniscus at the nozzle outlet using a meniscus vibrator. The vibration increases the withstanding pressure of the meniscus, allowing higher supply pressure to be applied for improved air removal efficiency without causing ink leakage. The vibrator generates vibrations at a frequency and amplitude that enhances meniscus stability while permitting increased drainage pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the meniscus by applying vibrations. This alters the meniscus's withstanding pressure characteristic, enabling it to withstand higher internal pressures from the supply channel during air removal operations. The parameter change allows the system to operate at higher pressures without exceeding the meniscus's pressure threshold for ink leakage.
2Productivity
If the pressure of ink supplied from the supply port is increased to increase liquid drainage rate, then the liquid drainage rate is improved, but the liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The meniscus vibrator applies mechanical vibrations to increase meniscus withstanding pressure, enabling faster liquid drainage rates through the drainage channel. By allowing higher supply pressure without meniscus breakdown, the system achieves improved drainage rates while minimizing excessive liquid consumption that would occur with uncontrolled pressure increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the state of the meniscus and adjusts the vibration parameters and supply pressure accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the meniscus maintains its withstanding pressure capability throughout the drainage process, optimizing the balance between drainage rate and liquid consumption by preventing both leakage and excessive use.
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 solution enhances air removal efficiency and decreases liquid consumption by increasing the withstanding pressure of menisci in nozzles, preventing ink leakage and optimizing the drainage process.
Implementation Method 1
the withstanding pressure of the meniscus produced in the nozzles may be increased by vibrating the meniscus
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus may include a channel unit including a pressure chamber configured to store a liquid, and nozzles. The recording apparatus may include a reservoir unit connected to the channel unit and including a supply port, a drain port, a supply channel communicating with the channel unit, and a drainage channel branching off from the supply channel and communicating with the outside via the drain port. The recording apparatus may include actuators configured to apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber. The recording apparatus may include a meniscus vibrator configured to drive the actuators to vibrate meniscus produced in the nozzles without causing liquid droplets to be ejected therefrom when the liquid supplied from the supply port is being drained from the drain port after traveling through the supply channel and the drainage channel.