Asymmetric Liquid Circulation Channel for Meniscus Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid circulation apparatuses for liquid discharge heads face challenges in efficiently circulating liquid while minimizing leakage and maintaining stable pressure in the nozzle meniscus, due to uneven fluid resistance in the supply and discharge channels.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a circulation channel design with a first manifold communicating with the supply port and a second manifold communicating with the discharge port, where the fluid resistance from the first manifold to the supply port is smaller than from the second manifold to the discharge port, and the length of the supply channel is shorter than the discharge channel, ensuring balanced pressure and reduced leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply channel and discharge channel have equal length and fluid resistance, then the liquid circulation is simple and easy to design, but the meniscus pressure becomes unstable and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing the supply channel and discharge channel with different lengths and fluid resistances. Specifically, the supply channel is designed to have smaller fluid resistance than the discharge channel, creating an asymmetric flow path that balances the pressure distribution in the circulation system. This asymmetric design prevents meniscus pressure instability and leakage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the fluid resistance characteristics in specific regions of the circulation channel. The supply side manifold and supply channel are designed with lower fluid resistance compared to the discharge side manifold and discharge channel. This localized differentiation in resistance properties ensures stable liquid supply to the nozzle while preventing backflow and meniscus disruption.
2Length of moving object
If the discharge channel is shorter than the supply channel, then the overall channel length is reduced, but the fluid resistance balance is disrupted causing circulation instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically adjusting the fluid resistance parameters of the supply and discharge channels. Rather than simply equalizing lengths, the design modifies the resistance parameters to achieve optimal circulation. The supply channel is designed with smaller resistance (through appropriate length and cross-section) while the discharge channel has larger resistance, creating the correct pressure gradient for stable circulation and preventing the instability that would result from equal-length design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fluid resistance in supply and discharge channels is equal, then the channel design is symmetric and simple, but liquid leakage occurs at the nozzle meniscus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing the supply channel and discharge channel with different lengths and fluid resistances. Specifically, the supply channel is designed to have smaller fluid resistance than the discharge channel, creating an asymmetric flow path that balances the pressure distribution in the circulation system. This asymmetric design prevents meniscus pressure instability and leakage while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of unequal channel lengths into a benefit by using the length difference to achieve proper fluid resistance balancing. The longer discharge channel naturally provides higher resistance, which is exactly what is needed to prevent backflow and meniscus leakage. Thus, the potential disadvantage of asymmetric design is transformed into a solution that prevents liquid leakage.
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 stabilizes the liquid circulation, reduces leakage, and maintains the meniscus pressure within a suitable range, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the liquid discharge process.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid resistance from the first manifold to the supply port of the liquid discharge head via the supply channel is smaller than a fluid resistance from the second manifold to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head via the discharge channel
Implementation Method 2
A length of the supply channel is smaller than a length of the discharge channel
Implementation Method 3
The second manifold is disposed higher than the first manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid circulation apparatus includes a circulation channel through which a liquid is circulated via a liquid discharge head including a supply port and a discharge port. The circulation channel includes a first manifold communicating with the supply port of the liquid discharge head, a second manifold communicating with the discharge port of the liquid discharge head, a supply channel connecting the first manifold and the supply port of the liquid discharge head, and a discharge channel connecting the second manifold and the discharge port of the liquid discharge head. A fluid resistance from the first manifold to the supply port of the liquid discharge head via the supply channel is smaller than a fluid resistance from the second manifold to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head via the discharge channel.