Liquid Discharge Head Coupling Channel Pressure Attenuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Pressure generated in the pressurization chamber of liquid discharge heads can be transmitted to common supply and collection channels, affecting the discharge performance of connected discharge units.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a coupling channel with higher resistance and no dead ends, which connects discharge units but does not connect to the secondary supply or collection channels, to attenuate pressure transmission and reduce interference with discharge performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If discharge units are connected to common supply and collection channels, then liquid supply and collection efficiency is improved, but pressure from pressurization chambers transmits to common channels adversely affecting discharge performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply and collection efficiencyVSAvoiddischarge performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupling channel as an intermediary component between discharge units and common channels. This coupling channel includes a pressure equalization chamber that acts as a mediator to balance pressure fluctuations, preventing direct pressure transmission from pressurization chambers to common supply and collection channels while maintaining liquid flow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the liquid flow path by introducing coupling channels with pressure equalization chambers between the pressurization chambers and common channels. This segmentation isolates the pressure generation zone from the common liquid supply and collection system, allowing independent pressure control for each discharge unit while maintaining efficient liquid flow through the segmented pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If pressure is transmitted to common channels, then liquid circulation is facilitated, but discharge performance of connected discharge units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid circulationVSAvoiddischarge performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling channel with pressure equalization chamber serves as an intermediary that selectively transmits liquid while blocking pressure transmission. The chamber allows liquid to flow freely for circulation purposes while its compliance characteristics absorb and equalize pressure fluctuations, preventing adverse pressure effects on discharge performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If coupling channel is introduced to reduce pressure transmission, then discharge performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge performanceVSAvoidchannel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coupling channel with pressure equalization chamber functionality into a single integrated component that connects discharge units to common channels. This unified structure performs multiple functions (liquid coupling and pressure equalization) simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate pressure control mechanisms for each discharge unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling channel is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it couples discharge units to common channels for liquid supply and collection, equalizes pressure fluctuations, and prevents direct pressure transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 minimizes the impact of pressure on secondary supply and collection channels, maintaining efficient discharge performance and preventing liquid retention issues.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure attenuation through resistance: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP3196025B1Liquid discharge head and recording device

Publication Date: 2020.02.12 KYOCERA CORP

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The present invention provides a liquid discharge head configured to reduce possibility that pressure from a discharge unit reaches a third channel and a fourth channel. A liquid discharge head 2 according to the present invention includes a plurality of discharge units 15 each including a discharge hole 8, a pressurization chamber 10 communicating with the discharge hole 8, a first channel 12 for supply of liquid to the pressurization chamber 10, and a second channel 14 for collection of liquid from the pressurization chamber 10, a pressurizing part 50 configured to pressurize the pressurization chamber 10, a third channel 20 connected commonly to the first channels 12 of the plurality of discharge units 15, the third channel for supply of liquid to the discharge units 15, a fourth channel 24 connected commonly to the second channels 24 of the plurality of discharge units 15, the fourth channel for collection of liquid from the discharge units 15, and a fifth channel 17 connecting the discharge units 15 and having channel resistance larger than channel resistance of the first channel 12 and the second channel 14.