Liquid Ejecting Channel Structure with Opposed Supply Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing channel structure for liquid ejecting heads, where the liquid inlet and groove-shaped channel are formed in the same plane, leads to an increased size of the channel member, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A channel structure with a supply port on a surface opposite to the liquid storing chamber, allowing for a more compact design by separating the liquid inlet and storage chamber, and incorporating a pressure adjusting unit to manage liquid flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the liquid inlet and groove-shaped channel are formed in the same plane of the channel member, then the liquid supply path is simplified, but the size of the channel member increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply path complexityVSAvoidchannel member size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by forming the liquid inlet in the lower surface and the groove-shaped channel in the upper surface of the channel member. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension allows both components to coexist without increasing the planar footprint, thus reducing the overall channel member size while maintaining functional simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove-shaped channel is formed within the thickness of the channel member body, nesting the liquid storage function inside the channel member structure itself. This eliminates the need for external liquid containers and reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the liquid supply function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration reduces the size of the channel structure while ensuring efficient liquid supply to the liquid ejecting head, enhancing the overall compactness and functionality of the system.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure adjusting unit that supplies the liquid from the first channel to the liquid storing chamber according to pressure in the liquid storing chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11225082B2Channel structure, liquid ejecting unit, and liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A channel structure includes a base body having a first surface, a second surface that is opposite from the first surface, and a side surface that extends in a direction intersecting the first surface. The base body includes a first channel having a supply port into which a liquid is supplied, a liquid storing chamber formed in the first surface and storing the liquid, a second channel having a discharge port through which the liquid in the liquid storing chamber is discharged, and a pressure adjusting unit that supplies the liquid from the first channel to the liquid storing chamber according to pressure in the liquid storing chamber and that located between the first surface and the second surface. The supply port is formed in the second surface of the base body or formed in the side surface of the base body.