Modular Printhead Assembly for Precise Nozzle Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printhead assemblies require precise manufacturing methods to ensure accurate positioning of printhead nozzles, which can be challenging and complex, especially when dealing with large assemblies and multiple connection ports.
Innovation Solution
A modular printhead assembly design where printhead modules are connected to each other, reducing the need for precise manufacturing of a large structural scaffold, and incorporating integrated control circuitry to simplify wiring and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large structural scaffold with many connection ports is manufactured to precisely position all printhead nozzles, then the required relative positioning of nozzles is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead assembly is divided into multiple independent printhead modules, each containing a subset of nozzles and its own manifold. These modules are connected in series rather than all connecting to a single large manifold. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single manifold while maintaining precise nozzle positioning through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple printhead modules are merged by connecting their manifolds in series, where the outlet of one manifold connects to the inlet of the next. This creates a distributed fluid distribution system that achieves the functionality of a large manifold while reducing manufacturing complexity and improving maintainability.
2Manufacturing precision
If printhead modules are connected to a common scaffold, then all nozzles can be positioned, but placement errors between independent placement of separate nozzles affect precision
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into manufacturing individual printhead modules separately, then connecting them in series. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own manifold and nozzles, allowing independent manufacturing and quality control before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular printhead module acts as an intermediary between the manufacturing process and the final assembly. By standardizing the module interface and connecting manifolds in series, the system reduces cumulative placement errors that would occur with direct placement of many nozzles onto a single scaffold.
3Device complexity
If integrated control circuitry is incorporated into each printhead module, then wiring complexity is reduced, but the device integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Control circuitry is merged with the printhead module, with each module containing its own control electronics integrated into the manifold or module housing. This distributes the control function across modules, reducing the complexity of external wiring while maintaining manageable integration through standardized interfaces.
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 approach allows for precise relative positioning of nozzles, simplifies manufacturing, reduces wiring complexity, and improves heat management, enabling efficient and accurate printing with multiple print agents.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of printhead nozzles is provided with an actuator (e.g., a piezoelectric actuator) to control ejection of print agent therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a printhead assembly comprising: a plurality of printhead modules (100a), including a first printhead module, a second printhead module and a third printhead module. Each of the plurality of printhead modules (100a) comprises: a plurality of printhead nozzles (126) each provided with an actuator (118) for selectively ejecting print agent therefrom; at least one print agent manifold (122, 124) providing a fluid communication pathway between at least one print agent inlet and the plurality of printhead nozzles (126); and control circuitry (104) to control the actuators (118) of the printhead module (100a) to eject print agent from the printhead nozzles (126). The first printhead module is mounted to the third printhead module via the second printhead module.