Nozzle Surface Segmentation for Liquid Repellent Film Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face durability issues due to the deterioration of liquid-repellent films on nozzle surfaces, leading to inconsistent liquid droplet discharge and image quality over time, as these films are worn away mechanically and chemically during cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus with a liquid-repellent film covering only the outer nozzle surface, allowing the first liquid droplet discharging operation to discharge liquid separated from the film, reducing the impact of film deterioration, and a second operation discharging liquid in contact with the film for varying droplet sizes based on film condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid-repellent film is applied to the nozzle formation surface to prevent liquid adhesion, then liquid droplet discharge performance is improved, but the film deteriorates through mechanical and chemical damage during cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle formation surface is divided into two distinct regions: a liquid-repellent film-covered region (outer side) and a liquid-repellent film-uncovered region (inner side). This segmentation allows the liquid-repellent film to protect against liquid adhesion on the outer surface while the inner surface without the film ensures stable liquid droplet discharge even when the film deteriorates through cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the nozzle formation surface are assigned different properties: the outer side has a liquid-repellent film for preventing liquid adhesion and stain accumulation, while the inner side lacks the film to maintain consistent liquid flow and discharge performance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the film to be present where it provides benefit without compromising discharge stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If cleaning operations are performed repeatedly to remove stains from the nozzle formation surface, then image quality is maintained, but the liquid-repellent film is worn away mechanically and chemically
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle formation surface is segmented into a liquid-repellent film-covered region (outer side) and a liquid-repellent film-uncovered region (inner side). During cleaning operations, the inner region without the film ensures that repeated wiping does not damage the liquid-repellent film, as the film is already protected by being confined to the outer region where it can be replaced without affecting discharge performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-repellent film is designed as a sacrificial protective layer that can be worn away during cleaning operations without compromising the functional integrity of the nozzle. When the film deteriorates, the system can continue operating using the inner region's liquid discharge mechanism, effectively treating the film as a replaceable protective element rather than a critical permanent component.
3Reliability
If the liquid-repellent film is used to prevent liquid adhesion, then liquid droplet discharge is improved, but discharge performance changes when the film deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle formation surface is divided into two functional regions: the outer side covered with liquid-repellent film for preventing liquid adhesion and stain accumulation, and the inner side without the film for maintaining stable liquid droplet discharge. This segmentation ensures that even when the film deteriorates, the inner region continues to provide consistent discharge performance, maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the nozzle formation surface have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the outer region has the liquid-repellent film for preventing liquid adhesion, while the inner region lacks the film to ensure stable liquid flow and discharge. This local differentiation ensures that discharge performance remains stable even when the film deteriorates, as the inner region's properties remain unchanged.
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 apparatus maintains stable long-term operation and improves durability by minimizing the effect of liquid-repellent film deterioration on the first operation, while allowing for high-resolution and high-productivity image formation by adjusting droplet size based on film condition.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that is formed on one surface side of the flow channel formation substrate... as a result of deforming a meniscus of the liquid in the nozzle using a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-repellent film that covers the nozzle formation surface... liquid that is separated from the wall surface of the nozzle and disposed on an inner side of the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a printer that forms dots on a recording medium using a recording head that discharges an ink, as liquid droplets, from a nozzle formation surface, in which a nozzle opening is formed, as a result of deforming a meniscus of the ink in the nozzle using a piezoelectric element. The printer includes a liquid-repellent film that covers the nozzle formation surface, and a wiping process that wipes away a stain on the nozzle formation surface. The printer forms dots on the recording medium using a first liquid droplet discharging operation that discharges ink, which is separated from a wall surface of the nozzle and disposed on an inner side of the nozzle, as liquid droplets.