Printhead Nozzle Row Fluid Delivery for Non-Planar Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printheads are limited in their ability to jet multiple types of print fluids from a single row of nozzles, restricting their flexibility for printing on non-planar surfaces such as cylindrical mediums.
Innovation Solution
A printhead design featuring a single row or two rows of nozzles configured to jet four or more different types of print fluids, with supply manifolds fluidly coupled to each nozzle to enable the ejection of distinct print fluids, allowing for enhanced flexibility in printing on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printheads use multiple rows of nozzles for different print fluids, then the ability to jet multiple types of print fluids is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid delivery systems into a single nozzle row by implementing individual supply manifolds for each nozzle. Each nozzle receives a different print fluid through its dedicated supply manifold, allowing multiple print fluid types to be jetted from a single row rather than requiring separate rows for each fluid type. This consolidation reduces the overall printhead structure complexity while maintaining the capability to jet multiple print fluid types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printheads use multiple rows of nozzles for different print fluids, then the ability to jet multiple types of print fluids is improved, but the printhead size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes the fluid delivery architecture from a multi-row spatial arrangement to a multi-manifold dimensional configuration. Instead of expanding the printhead width to accommodate multiple rows of nozzles for different fluids, the invention uses multiple supply manifolds arranged in a dimensional configuration that feeds individual nozzles in a single row. This approach maintains compact printhead dimensions while enabling multiple print fluid types to be delivered through the same linear nozzle array.
3Device complexity
If conventional printheads use a single row of nozzles for one print fluid type, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the versatility for printing on non-planar surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing each nozzle in the single row to serve multiple functions through individual supply manifold connections. Each nozzle can be independently configured to jet different print fluid types (e.g., different colors or materials) based on its supply manifold connections. This multi-functional capability allows the printhead to adapt to various printing applications including non-planar surfaces, while maintaining the structural simplicity of a single nozzle row configuration.
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 design allows for more versatile printing capabilities, enabling the printhead to effectively print on non-planar surfaces by allowing each nozzle grouping to jet different types of print fluids, such as different colors, thereby expanding the range of printable mediums.
Implementation Method 1
each nozzle is part of a 'jetting channel',$$ which includes the nozzle, a pressure chamber, and a diaphragm that is driven by an actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Printheads for a jetting apparatus. In one embodiment, a printhead includes inlet ports each configured to receive one of four or more types of print fluids. The printhead further includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in one or two nozzle rows, where each of the nozzles is fluidly coupled to one of the inlet ports. In groupings of four or more adjacent nozzles of the plurality, the adjacent nozzles are each configured to jet a different one of the types of print fluids.