Piezo-Driven Discharge Head With Biasing Unit for Stable Liquid Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge heads with piezoelectric elements face issues where abnormalities in the piezoelectric elements lead to unintended liquid discharge and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A discharge head design that incorporates a nozzle, valve body, and a piezoelectric element driven by a first biasing unit, where the piezoelectric element operates in the D31 mode and is assisted by a holding member with a biasing unit to ensure intended liquid discharge even in abnormal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piezoelectric element is used to drive the valve body in a conventional discharge head, then liquid discharge can be controlled, but abnormalities in the piezoelectric element cause unintended liquid discharge and reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a biasing unit that pre-establishes a biasing force on the valve body to counteract potential abnormalities in the piezoelectric element. This biasing force acts as a safety mechanism that prevents unintended liquid discharge even when the piezoelectric element fails, thereby maintaining reliable liquid discharge control while protecting against harmful effects of element abnormalities.
2Device complexity
If the piezoelectric element is the only driving force for the valve body, then the structure is simple, but any abnormality in the piezoelectric element stops intended liquid discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biasing unit as an intermediary component that works in conjunction with the piezoelectric element to drive the valve body. This intermediary mechanism ensures that even if the piezoelectric element abnormalities occur, the valve body can still be properly actuated through the biasing force, thereby maintaining liquid discharge functionality without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If no biasing unit is provided, then the device complexity is low, but discharge variations occur and image quality is reduced when piezoelectric element abnormalities happen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the mechanical parameters of the valve body drive system through the introduction of a biasing unit. This biasing unit adjusts the force parameters acting on the valve body, ensuring consistent and controlled liquid discharge even when piezoelectric element abnormalities occur, thereby improving discharge consistency and image quality without excessive increases in device complexity.
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
Ensures consistent liquid discharge and maintains image quality by preventing constant discharge when piezoelectric element abnormalities occur, enhancing responsiveness and reducing discharge variations.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element configured to drive the valve body; The piezoelectric element is configured to drive the valve body in a direction to open the nozzle when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a first biasing unit disposed in parallel with the piezoelectric element. The first biasing unit is configured to bias the valve body in the direction to open the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge head includes a nozzle, a valve body, a piezoelectric element, and a first biasing unit. The nozzle is configured to discharge liquid. The valve body is configured to open and close the nozzle. The piezoelectric element is configured to drive the valve body. The first biasing unit is disposed in parallel with the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is configured to drive the valve body in a direction to open the nozzle when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element. The first biasing unit is configured to bias the valve body in the direction to open the nozzle.