Asymmetric Nozzle-End Projection for Stable Ink Droplet Trajectories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers experience issues with droplet bending and white streaks due to airflow interference between the discharge head and the moving sheet, leading to poor print quality.
Innovation Solution
The discharge head incorporates projections with asymmetric sidewalls disposed on the upstream side of the nozzle row to manage airflow, preventing droplet bending and improving print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge head moves relative to the sheet at high speed, then productivity is improved, but droplet bending and white streaks occur due to airflow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric projection structure at the end of the nozzle row, with a first sidewall extending in the sheet conveyance direction and a second sidewall extending in the discharge direction. This asymmetric geometry creates a specific airflow pattern that counteracts the harmful airflow interference caused by high-speed relative movement, thereby preventing droplet bending and white streaks while maintaining high printing speed
2Manufacturing precision
If the projection has a slanted or curved second sidewall, then airflow control is improved and droplet trajectory is stabilized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the asymmetric projection structure only at the end nozzle position where airflow interference is most severe, rather than modifying the entire nozzle row. The first sidewall provides a simple reference surface, while the second sidewall with slanted or curved configuration is localized to the discharge direction, creating effective airflow control precisely where needed without unnecessarily complicating the overall nozzle structure
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
The projections effectively stabilize droplet trajectories, reducing white streaks and enhancing print quality by correcting airflow patterns around the nozzle ends.
Implementation Method 1
The projection is disposed: between one side of the nozzle face and the nozzle row in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and at the end nozzle in the first direction. The projection has a first side wall and a second side wall. The first sidewall is disposed outside the end nozzle in the first direction and has a first face perpendicular to the nozzle face and parallel to the second direction. The second sidewall is disposed inside the end nozzle in the first direction and has a second face perpendicular to the nozzle face and slanted or curved with respect to the second direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge head includes a nozzle face, multiple nozzles, and a projection. The multiple nozzles are arrayed in a first direction on the nozzle face to define a nozzle row; are dischargeable a liquid from each of the multiple nozzles in a discharge direction; and has an end nozzle at an end of the nozzle row in the first direction. The projection projects in the discharge direction from the nozzle face. The projection is disposed: between one side of the nozzle face and the nozzle row in a second direction; and at the end nozzle in the first direction. The projection has: a first side wall outside the end nozzle in the first direction and having a first face parallel to the second direction; and a second sidewall inside the end nozzle in the first direction and having a second face slanted or curved with respect to the second direction.