Piezoelectric Actuator Electrode Layout for Inkjet Printers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-density pressure chambers in ink-jet printers experience deformation loss and crosstalk issues due to the layout of connection portions between individual electrodes and constant potential electrodes, leading to reduced deformation efficiency and potential actuator breakage.
Innovation Solution
A droplet ejecting apparatus with a piezoelectric actuator featuring comb-like first and second constant potential electrodes and individual electrodes, where the connection portions of individual electrodes overlap the second trunk portion of the second constant potential electrode, optimizing voltage application to enhance deformation efficiency and prevent crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure chambers are arranged at high density to increase nozzle number, then productivity and image quality are improved, but crosstalk occurs between adjacent pressure chambers causing deformation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuator is divided into multiple independent driving units, each corresponding to one pressure chamber. Each driving unit includes its own piezoelectric element and electrode structure, allowing independent deformation control. This segmentation prevents crosstalk between adjacent pressure chambers while maintaining high density arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed with different regions having different functions: individual electrodes for selective driving of each pressure chamber, and constant potential electrodes for maintaining uniform potential distribution. This local differentiation optimizes the electric field distribution to prevent crosstalk while maintaining deformation efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If connection portions are provided for individual electrodes to connect to signal lines, then ease of operation is improved, but deformation loss occurs due to stress concentration and crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
Constant potential electrodes serve as intermediary elements between individual electrodes and the ground. These electrodes maintain a constant potential and provide a stable reference that prevents stress concentration at connection portions. The intermediary structure allows connection portions to be provided without causing deformation loss or crosstalk.
3Device complexity
If constant potential electrodes are formed to overlap for compact structure, then device complexity is reduced, but foreign substances get caught causing short circuits and actuator breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The constant potential electrodes are designed with an asymmetric comb-like structure where the electrodes extend in alternating directions. This asymmetric arrangement prevents overlapping between adjacent constant potential electrodes, eliminating the risk of foreign substance accumulation and short circuits while maintaining a compact overall structure.
4Reliability
If comb-like shape is used for constant potential electrodes to prevent overlapping, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The comb-like structure of constant potential electrodes follows a periodic pattern that repeats along the array. This periodicity allows for standardized manufacturing processes and simplifies quality control, reducing the actual manufacturing precision requirements despite the complex appearance of the electrode pattern.
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 optimized layout reduces deformation loss and enhances deformation efficiency of pressure chambers, minimizing crosstalk and actuator stress, while reducing the risk of foreign substance-induced short circuits and improving overall ink ejection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator bonded to the cavity unit for permitting ink in each pressure chamber to be selectively ejected
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet ejecting apparatus, including: a droplet ejecting head including a cavity unit with pressure chambers and a piezoelectric actuator; and a voltage application device, the actuator including: first active portions; second active portions; a first potential electrode which is constantly given a first potential by the voltage application device; a second potential electrode which includes second branch portions respectively corresponding to the second active portions and a second trunk portion that connects the second branch portions and which is constantly given a second potential different from the first potential by the voltage application device; and individual electrodes to each of which the first and second potentials are selectively given at a connection portion thereof by the voltage application device, wherein the connection portion is disposed so as to overlap the second trunk portion as seen in a superposition direction in which the cavity unit and the actuator are superposed.