Nozzle Arrangements for Fluid Ejection Die Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid ejection dies face challenges in achieving accurate drop trajectory and placement due to air flow patterns generated by nozzle arrangements, which can disperse particles and reduce drop placement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of nozzles across the length and width of the die, with specific spacing and orientation, such as staggered and offset configurations, is used to control air flow patterns and reduce air disturbance, facilitating precise fluid drop ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are arranged in a conventional configuration, then fluid ejection can be achieved, but air flow patterns are generated that disperse particles and reduce drop placement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting alternating nozzles in a columnar group from a common axis. Specifically, first nozzles are offset in a first direction while second nozzles are offset in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This asymmetric arrangement creates balanced air flow patterns that cancel out harmful air currents, thereby improving drop placement accuracy while reducing air flow interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional spatial configuration by offsetting nozzles in multiple directions (first direction and second direction). This dimensional change allows for more complex spatial relationships between nozzles, enabling the creation of balanced air flow patterns that improve drop ejection precision.
2Quantity of substance
If nozzles are spaced closely to increase density, then more nozzles can be accommodated on the die, but air disturbance increases and trajectory control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nozzles into alternating groups (first nozzles and second nozzles) with different offset directions. This segmentation allows for increased nozzle density while maintaining trajectory control, as the alternating offset pattern creates balanced air flow that prevents excessive air disturbance even when nozzles are closely spaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of closely spaced nozzles generating air disturbance into a beneficial pattern. By offsetting alternating nozzles in opposite directions, the air flows generated by adjacent nozzles cancel each other out, transforming what would be harmful air disturbance into a controlled and balanced flow pattern that actually improves trajectory control.
3Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are offset in alternating directions, then air flow patterns are controlled and placement accuracy improves, but nozzle manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the alternating offset pattern of nozzles automatically balances the air flow patterns. The geometric arrangement itself creates the flow control mechanism, eliminating the need for additional active flow control components. The nozzles' spatial configuration self-regulates the air flow, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples include a fluid ejection device. The fluid ejection device includes at least one fluid ejection die coupled to a support structure and having a die length and a die width. The at least one fluid ejection die may include a plurality of nozzles arranged along the die length and a die width. The plurality of nozzles is arranged such that at least one pair of neighboring nozzles are positioned at different die width positions along the width of the fluid ejection die. The at least one fluid ejection die further includes a plurality of ejection chambers including a respective ejection chamber fluidically coupled to each respective nozzle. The at least one fluid ejection die further includes an array of fluid feed holes. The array of fluid feed holes includes at least one fluid feed hole fluidically coupled to each respective ejection chamber.