Multi-layered Nozzle Fluid Ejection Device for High Viscosity Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
High viscosity printing materials pose challenges for fluid ejection devices due to increased nozzle resistance, which affects ejection capability and nozzle robustness, leading to fragile nozzle layers that can crack.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered nozzle fluid ejection device with laminated nozzle layers of different thicknesses and imaging with various photo masks, decoupling mechanical robustness from drop ejection capability, allowing for the efficient ejection of high viscosity materials without compromising nozzle integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer nozzle design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the nozzle layer becomes fragile and prone to cracking when ejecting high viscosity materials
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle layer is divided into multiple separate layers (first nozzle layer and second nozzle layer) stacked on top of each other. Each layer can be independently formed and optimized, with the first layer providing mechanical support and the second layer providing ejection functionality. This segmentation allows the nozzle to maintain structural integrity while ejecting high viscosity materials without cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layered nozzle structure combines different layer configurations to create a composite structure where the first nozzle layer and second nozzle layer work together. The composite structure provides both the mechanical robustness needed for high viscosity material ejection and the precise control needed for drop formation, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ejection capability.
2Strength
If the nozzle layer thickness is increased to improve mechanical strength, then nozzle robustness improves, but nozzle resistance increases affecting ejection capability
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the nozzle structure have different layer configurations optimized for their specific functions. The first nozzle layer can be thicker in regions requiring mechanical support while the second nozzle layer maintains optimal thickness for material ejection. This local optimization allows the nozzle to have both the strength needed for robustness and the low resistance needed for effective ejection of high viscosity materials.
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, a multi-layered nozzle fluid ejection device may include a first nozzle layer including a first nozzle layer thickness and a first nozzle layer orifice, and a second nozzle layer including a second nozzle layer thickness and a second nozzle layer orifice. The first nozzle layer orifice may include a first nozzle layer orifice dimension that is different than a second nozzle layer orifice dimension of the second nozzle layer orifice.