Piezoelectric Inkjet Head with Integrated Transformer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid droplet jetting heads, such as ink-jet heads, face challenges in achieving substantial actuator displacement without increasing the drive voltage, which leads to higher costs due to the need for a piezoelectric transformer as an amplifier and a high-voltage power supply.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet jetting head with a piezoelectric material layer that includes both a piezoelectric actuator and a piezoelectric transformer, where the transformer amplifies the drive voltage, allowing for actuator displacement without increasing the drive voltage, and a vibration plate simplifies the structure and reduces manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the drive voltage is increased to achieve substantial actuator displacement, then the actuator deformation is improved, but the cost of the driver chip and power supply increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piezoelectric actuator and piezoelectric transformer into a single integrated structure where the piezoelectric material layer serves dual functions. The first portion acts as the actuator while the second portion functions as the transformer, eliminating the need for separate high-voltage power supply circuits and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric material layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the actuator that generates droplet ejection force and the transformer that amplifies the drive voltage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and lowers manufacturing costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If a piezoelectric transformer is provided as an amplifier for the drive voltage, then the actuator displacement is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piezoelectric actuator and piezoelectric transformer into a single integrated structure where the piezoelectric material layer serves dual functions. The first portion acts as the actuator while the second portion functions as the transformer, eliminating the need for separate high-voltage power supply circuits and reducing overall system cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the drive voltage is lowered to reduce cost, then the cost is reduced, but the actuator deformation is not substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric transformer portion acts as an intermediary that amplifies the low-voltage drive signal from the driver chip to a high-voltage signal suitable for driving the piezoelectric actuator. This allows the use of a low-cost driver chip while still achieving the necessary high voltage for substantial actuator displacement.
4Device complexity
If the piezoelectric actuator is arranged directly on the channel unit, then the structure is simplified, but the ink comes in direct contact with the piezoelectric material reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration plate serves as an intermediary layer between the ink in the channel unit and the piezoelectric material layer. This plate prevents direct contact between the ink and piezoelectric material, protecting the piezoelectric material from chemical degradation while maintaining the integrated 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
This solution enables substantial actuator displacement without increasing costs, improves durability by isolating the ink from the piezoelectric material, and allows for simultaneous jetting of a substantial amount of ink, reducing the need for a high-voltage power supply and simplifying electrical wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric material layer which is arranged on the channel unit, and which includes a first portion which applies a pressure to the liquid stored in the liquid chamber when a predetermined voltage is applied to the first portion
Implementation Method 2
a second portion which amplifies the predetermined voltage which is to be applied to the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
An ink-jet head includes a channel unit which includes a plurality of pressure chambers, a vibration plate stacked on the channel unit, and a piezoelectric material layer arranged on the vibration plate. The piezoelectric material layer includes a first portion functioning as a piezoelectric actuator, and a second portion functioning as a piezoelectric transformer which amplifies a driving signal to be supplied to the piezoelectric actuator. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a small-size ink-jet head with a built-in piezoelectric amplifier.