Liquid Discharge Head Port Layout to Prevent Ink Stagnation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid discharge heads experience discharge failures due to liquid thickening and sticking when discharge ports are left in contact with air for extended periods, particularly in serial heads that stop during scanning, leading to issues like paper jams.
Innovation Solution
The liquid discharge head design features a staggered arrangement of supply and collection ports, with ends of these ports positioned closer to the ends of the head than the discharge ports, eliminating dead ends in the circulation channels and ensuring continuous liquid flow, even when circulation is stopped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid discharge ports are continuously kept in contact with air, then discharge function is maintained, but liquid evaporation causes thickening and sticking leading to discharge failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous liquid circulation through the discharge ports by providing both first and second supply channels that continuously supply liquid to the discharge ports. This continuous circulation prevents liquid stagnation and evaporation, thereby eliminating thickening and sticking while maintaining reliable discharge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the liquid supply system into two separate supply channels (first supply channel and second supply channel) that independently supply liquid to different regions of the discharge ports. This segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage and continuous liquid supply across all discharge ports, preventing any area from experiencing liquid stagnation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If liquid circulation is stopped, then energy consumption is reduced, but liquid stagnation at dead ends causes sticking and discharge failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous liquid circulation even when the discharge head is not actively printing. The circulation system continuously moves liquid through the supply channels and discharge ports, preventing stagnation and sticking without requiring complete shutdown of the circulation system, thus maintaining reliability while optimizing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic circulation control system that can adjust the circulation rate and mode based on operational status. During active printing, circulation is optimized for discharge performance; during idle periods, circulation continues at a reduced rate sufficient to prevent stagnation, thereby balancing energy consumption with reliability.
3Ease of operation
If serial liquid discharge head stops during scanning, then printing issues can be addressed, but discharge ports are left in contact with air for long periods causing liquid sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous liquid circulation during idle periods when the serial discharge head stops during scanning. The circulation system ensures liquid continues to flow through the discharge ports even when printing is paused, preventing liquid sticking and ensuring rapid resume capability when printing restarts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the liquid circulation system in advance to maintain flow during interruptions. By keeping the circulation system active and ready, the system ensures liquid is already flowing and fresh liquid is available at the discharge ports before printing resumes, preventing sticking issues during and after interruptions.
4Manufacturing precision
If discharge ports are densely arranged, then printing quality is improved, but liquid circulation becomes more difficult causing stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid supply system into multiple segmented supply channels (first supply channel and second supply channel) that independently serve different regions of the densely arranged discharge ports. This segmentation enables effective liquid distribution across high-density port arrangements by reducing the distance and resistance each channel must overcome, preventing stagnation even in densely packed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a multi-dimensional circulation architecture with supply channels arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations to reach densely packed discharge ports. This dimensional approach allows liquid to access high-density ports from multiple directions, reducing flow resistance and preventing stagnation in compact, high-resolution configurations.
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 prevents liquid stagnation and evaporation, reducing or eliminating discharge failures by maintaining fresh liquid supply to the discharge ports, even during interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
if liquid discharge ports are continuously kept in contact with air for a long time, evaporation of the liquid causes thickening and sticking
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge head includes a discharge port array having a plurality of discharge ports and a supply port array having a plurality of supply ports. The discharge port array and the supply port array extend from a first to a second end of the liquid discharge head. The plurality of discharge ports includes a first-end discharge port closest to the first end and a second-end discharge port closest to the second end. The plurality of supply ports includes a first-end supply port closest to the first end and a second-end supply port closest to the second end. Seen from a position facing openings of the plurality of discharge ports, an end of an opening of the first-end supply port adjacent to the first end is at a position nearer to the first end than an end of an opening of the first-end discharge port adjacent to the first end.