Multi-Pulse Waveform Droplet Ejection Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Droplet ejection devices face variations in droplet velocity and size due to moving targets or ejectors, leading to image quality degradation and performance issues in imaging and other applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-pulse waveforms with embedded pulses allows for the generation of droplets of different sizes at substantially the same effective drop velocity by adjusting the positions and presence of drive pulses within the waveform, ensuring consistent droplet ejection across various sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-pulse waveforms are used to eject droplets of different sizes, then droplet volume variability is improved, but droplet velocity consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveform is segmented into multiple discrete pulses, where each pulse corresponds to a specific droplet size. By selectively activating different portions of the multi-pulse waveform (single pulse, dual pulse, triple pulse configurations), the system can eject droplets of varying volumes while maintaining consistent velocity through carefully timed pulse sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes waveform parameters (pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse timing) to achieve different droplet sizes while maintaining constant droplet velocity. Specifically, the embedded waveform technique adjusts the timing and duration of individual pulses within the multi-pulse sequence to compensate for size variations and maintain velocity consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If variable droplet sizes are ejected, then image resolution and detail are improved, but position accuracy deteriorates due to velocity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded waveform technique performs preliminary velocity compensation by pre-calculating and embedding specific pulse timing adjustments into the waveform sequence. Before droplet ejection, the system prepares the waveform with embedded timing corrections that ensure droplets of different sizes will arrive at the target position simultaneously, preventing position accuracy degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from droplet size detection to adjust waveform parameters in real-time. By monitoring the actual droplet size produced and comparing it to the target size, the system dynamically adjusts subsequent waveform parameters to maintain both size consistency and velocity uniformity, thereby preserving position accuracy.
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 maintains consistent effective drop velocity for droplets of varying sizes, improving image quality and system performance by minimizing variations in droplet position and size, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of droplet ejection.
Implementation Method 1
The ink jet module includes a piezoelectric element positioned over the pumping chamber
Implementation Method 2
generating a multi-pulse waveform that includes drive pulses in predetermined positions in the waveform... applying the multi-pulse waveform to the actuator... causing the droplet ejection device to eject droplets
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a process and apparatus for driving a droplet ejection device with embedded multi-pulse waveforms. In one embodiment, the process includes generating a multi-pulse waveform that includes drive pulses in predetermined positions. Next, the process includes applying the drive pulses to the actuator and causing the droplet ejection device to eject a first droplet of a fluid. The process also includes applying a second multi-pulse waveform having at least one embedded pulse to the actuator and causing the droplet ejection device to eject a second droplet of the fluid. Each embedded pulse is embedded between predetermined positions of two drive pulses. In some embodiments, the first and second droplets have different droplet sizes and these droplets are ejected at substantially the same effective drop velocity.