Piezo Nozzle Voltage Profile Tuning for Stable Drop Shape

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing technologies face challenges in precisely and efficiently setting the drop shape of printing liquids, leading to issues such as elongated drops, spray effects, and satellite drops, which degrade the quality of printed images and objects.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the control of piezo elements using voltage profiles, with automatic tuning based on detected electric current or sound amplitude, to optimize drop shape by adjusting parameters like rise time, fall time, and hold time, allowing for autotuning and reducing the need for complex devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex devices are used to determine drop shape, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrop shape detection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of drop shape determination devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using electric current or sound amplitude as indirect indicators of drop shape quality. Instead of directly measuring complex drop shape parameters with sophisticated devices, the system uses easily measurable electrical or acoustic signals that correlate with drop formation quality, thereby achieving accurate assessment without complex instrumentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/optical measurement systems with electrical measurement systems. By substituting physical drop shape analysis with electrical current or sound amplitude detection, the system achieves equivalent measurement precision while dramatically simplifying the device architecture and reducing hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual tuning of voltage profile is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrop shape precisionVSAvoidtime required to set drop shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the printing device autonomously determines optimal voltage profiles without requiring manual intervention. The control unit automatically measures electric current or sound amplitude, evaluates drop shape quality, and adjusts voltage profile parameters accordingly, enabling the system to self-optimize drop formation precision while eliminating time-consuming manual tuning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system where the measured electric current or sound amplitude serves as feedback to the voltage profile control. The control unit continuously monitors these parameters and automatically adjusts voltage profile settings to maintain optimal drop shape, achieving high manufacturing precision through real-time automated feedback control rather than manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If voltage profile parameters are extensively adjusted, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrop shape precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of voltage profile control

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically varies voltage profile parameters (amplitude, rise time, fall time, hold time) to optimize drop shape formation. By methodically adjusting these electrical parameters and measuring their effect on electric current or sound amplitude, the system achieves precise drop shape control through parameter optimization rather than through complex device modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling real-time modification of voltage profile parameters based on measured conditions. The control unit can dynamically adjust voltage characteristics in response to changing printing liquid properties or environmental conditions, achieving consistent manufacturing precision through adaptive parameter control rather than fixed complex device configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise and efficient drop formation with reduced time and cost, facilitating maintenance and adaptation to different printing liquids, while avoiding satellite drops and ensuring consistent drop quality.

Implementation Method 1

controlling a piezo element of a printing nozzle by a first voltage profile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12544985B2Method for setting a drop shape in a printing process

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG

AI summary

A method for setting a drop shape in a printing process, including the steps of controlling (S101) a piezo element of a printing nozzle by a first voltage profile; detecting (S102) an electric current value averaged over the first voltage profile or a sound amplitude averaged over the first voltage profile; controlling (S103) the piezo element of the printing nozzle by a second voltage profile; detecting (S104) an electric current value averaged over the second voltage profile or a sound amplitude averaged over the second voltage profile; and selecting (S105) the voltage profile with the lower detected current value or the lower detected sound amplitude.