This paper presents a lumped model to predict crosstalk characteristics of thermally driven inkjet print heads. The model is based on a heat conduction equation, an empirical pressure-temperature equation, and a nonlinear hydraulic flow-pressure equation. It has been simulated through the construction of a Kirchhoffian R-L-C network, and subsequently analyzed using SIMULINK and an electronic circuit simulation tool. Using the lumped R-C model, heating characteristics of the head are predicted to be in agreement with IR temperature measurements. The inter-channel crosstalk is simulated using the lumped R-L network. The values of viscous flow resistance, R and flow inertance, L of the inter-channels are adjusted to accord with the 3-D numerical simulation results of three adjacent jets. The crosstalk behaviors of a back shooter head as well as a top shooter head have been investigated. Predictions of the proposed lumped model of the meniscus oscillations are consistent with numerical simulations. Comparison of the lumped model with experimental results identifies that abnormal two-drop ejection phenomena are related to the increased meniscus oscillations because of the more severe crosstalk effects at higher printing speeds. Our model can be used as a design tool for a better design of thermal inkjet print heads to minimize crosstalk effects.
Exploration on Application of Electronic Circuit Simulation Technology in Electronic Application Technology
