Discharge Head Bypass Channel Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge heads face challenges in adequately discharging bubbles during initial filling and maintenance, leading to unstable liquid discharge during printing operations due to inadequate bubble removal and flow rate control in the bypass channel system.
Innovation Solution
A discharge head design featuring multiple nozzles, pressure chambers, supply and collection branch channels, and a first bypass channel with a first open-close unit that adjusts flow rate in response to pressure differences between the upstream and downstream sides, enhancing bubble dischargeability and discharge stability by controlling the flow rate through the bypass channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a bypass channel is provided to enhance bubble dischargeability, then bubble dischargeability is improved, but flow rate control stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass channel includes a flow rate controller that dynamically adjusts the flow rate based on operational conditions. The controller can change the degree of opening of the bypass channel to balance between bubble discharge during maintenance and stable flow control during printing operations, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate controller changes the flow rate parameter of the bypass channel according to different operational states. By adjusting parameters such as the opening degree or cross-sectional area of the bypass channel, the system can optimize performance for either bubble discharge or stable flow control as needed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the bypass channel flow rate is increased to discharge bubbles, then bubble dischargeability is improved, but liquid discharge stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between different operational modes: during maintenance periods, the bypass channel flow rate is increased to discharge bubbles; during printing periods, the flow rate is reduced to ensure stable liquid discharge. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both bubble dischargeability and liquid discharge stability at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate controller dynamically adjusts the bypass channel flow rate based on real-time operational requirements. When bubble discharge is needed, the controller increases the flow rate; when stable printing is required, it reduces the flow rate, thus resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flow rate controller is added to the bypass channel, then flow rate adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate controller is designed to automatically adjust the bypass channel flow rate based on pre-set conditions or feedback signals, reducing the need for manual intervention. This self-service capability provides flow rate adaptability while minimizing the complexity of control mechanisms required.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate controller acts as an intermediary component between the bypass channel and the control system. By introducing this intermediate element, the system achieves flow rate adjustability while keeping the overall structural complexity manageable through modular design.
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
The design effectively enhances bubble dischargeability during initial filling and maintenance, and ensures stable liquid discharge during printing operations by adjusting the flow rate through the bypass channel in response to pressure differences, preventing bubbles from entering the pressure chamber and maintaining consistent liquid flow.
Implementation Method 1
decrease a flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first bypass channel with an increase in a first pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of the first open-close unit
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A discharge head (100) includes: multiple nozzles (111) from each of which a liquid is discharged; multiple pressure chambers (121) respectively communicating with the multiple nozzles (111); multiple supply branch channels (152) each communicating with two or more of the multiple pressure chambers (121) to supply the liquid to the two or more of the pressure chambers (121); multiple collection branch channels (153) each communicating with two or more of the multiple pressure chambers (121) to collect the liquid from the two or more of the pressure chambers (121); a supply main channel (156) communicating with each of the multiple supply branch channels (152) to supply the liquid to the multiple supply branch channels (152); and a collection main channel (157) communicating with each of the multiple collection branch channels (153) to collect the liquid from the multiple collection branch channels (153).