Nozzle Diameter Uniformity via Bosch Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle manufacturing methods, such as dry etching and pressing, face challenges in achieving uniform nozzle diameters and shape control, leading to variations in fluid resistance and ink droplet discharge accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The Bosch process is employed, involving alternating deposition film formation and etching steps, to create a nozzle with periodic convex and concave portions on the sidewall, ensuring the outermost nozzle diameter is smaller than the average of minimum and maximum diameters, thereby improving diameter uniformity and shape control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional dry etching or pressing methods are used to manufacture nozzles, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the nozzle diameter uniformity and shape control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into multiple alternating steps of deposition and etching (Bosch process), where a protective film is deposited on the nozzle sidewall and then etching is performed in stages. This segmentation allows precise control of the nozzle cylindrical shape and diameter uniformity by managing each step independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective film is deposited on the nozzle sidewall before the etching process begins. This preliminary action protects the sidewall during etching, enabling precise control of the nozzle shape and diameter while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the alternating deposition-etching cycles.
2Reliability
If conventional etching methods are used, then the manufacturing process is short, but the fluid resistance variations and discharge accuracy are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process employs periodic alternating cycles of protective film deposition and etching steps. This periodic action enables precise control of the nozzle cylindrical shape, reducing fluid resistance variations and improving ink droplet discharge accuracy through repeated refinement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The process parameters (deposition thickness, etching time, protective film material properties) are optimized and controlled during each alternating deposition-etching cycle. These parameter changes enable precise management of the nozzle diameter and shape, achieving both high reliability in discharge accuracy and maintained productivity through efficient process cycling.
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 enhances nozzle diameter uniformity, reduces fluid resistance variations, and improves ink droplet discharge accuracy, leading to more consistent and precise printing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
forming a deposition film on a substrate, the deposition film configured to protect the substrate
Implementation Method 2
etching the substrate and the deposition film formed on the substrate after forming the deposition film
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge head includes: a nozzle plate having a nozzle from which a liquid is to be discharged in a discharge direction, the nozzle having a cylindrical hole having periodical convex portions and concave portions on a sidewall of the nozzle in the discharge direction, a diameter of an outermost portion of the nozzle in the discharge direction being smaller than an average diameter of minimum values and maximum values of diameters of the cylindrical shape. The average diameter is obtained by: Average diameter=(Sum of minimum values+Sum of maximum values)/(Count of minimum values+Count of maximum values).