Piezoelectric Actuator Electrode Alignment for Liquid Jetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid transporting apparatuses with piezoelectric actuators face challenges in applying a predetermined pressure to liquids due to displacement issues in the piezoelectric layers, which affects the jetting characteristics when the position of electrodes is misaligned with the central portions of pressure chambers.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a liquid transporting apparatus where the first constant electric potential electrode is positioned to overlap the central portion of the pressure chamber, ensuring the first active portion aligns correctly, and a combination of electrodes is used to apply pressure without significant displacement of the piezoelectric layer, maintaining optimal jetting characteristics by selecting a combination of piezoelectric actuators and channel units within specific pitch tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the piezoelectric actuator uses stacked piezoelectric layers with individual electrodes and common electrode, then it can apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber, but the position of the first active portion may shift from overlapping with the central portion of the pressure chamber, causing small displacement amount and insufficient pressure application
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning mark is introduced as an intermediary element to mediate the alignment between the piezoelectric actuator and the channel unit. The positioning mark on the piezoelectric actuator aligns with a reference mark on the channel unit, ensuring that the first active portion correctly overlaps with the central portion of the pressure chamber. This mediator resolves the positioning inaccuracy without requiring direct precision between the complex electrode structures and pressure chambers.
2Productivity
If the piezoelectric actuator deforms the piezoelectric layers to change pressure chamber volume, then it can transport liquid effectively, but misalignment causes reduced displacement efficiency and poor jetting characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment between the piezoelectric actuator and channel unit is established before the piezoelectric actuator operates. By pre-positioning the first active portion to overlap with the central portion of the pressure chamber using the positioning mark during assembly, the system ensures optimal displacement efficiency and consistent jetting characteristics throughout operation. This preliminary alignment action prevents performance degradation during liquid transport.
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 allows for effective pressure application to liquids within the pressure chamber, enhancing jetting characteristics by minimizing displacement and maintaining consistent performance across the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric actuator changes a volume of the pressure chamber to apply a pressure to the ink in the pressure chamber by using a deformation (piezoelectric distortion) which is generated in the piezoelectric layer due to the electric field
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of manufacturing liquid transporting apparatus including: providing a channel unit; providing a piezoelectric actuator having a first and second active portion corresponding to a central portion and an outer periphery portion of the pressure chamber, respectively. The first and second active portions are sandwiched between an upper electrode and an intermediate electrode, and between the upper electrode and a lower electrode, respectively. The method further includes joining the channel unit and the piezoelectric actuator by positioning such that the intermediate electrode overlaps the central portion of the pressure chamber. Accordingly, since it is possible to make the first active portion overlap the central portion of the pressure chamber, it is possible to apply a appropriate pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber without excessively small deformation of the first active portion.