Liquid Dispenser With Overlapping Outlet And Return Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow through liquid drop dispensers face challenges in reliability and performance, particularly in achieving high drop ejection frequency without the complexity of continuous printing systems and the risk of nozzle clogging and satellite drop formation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser design featuring a liquid supply channel, a dispensing channel with a diverter member that selectively ejects drops through a larger outlet opening, and a return channel, which reduces the likelihood of clogging and satellite drops by using a diverter member that can include a heater or thermal micro-actuator to control drop size and ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional continuous inkjet printing system is used to achieve high drop ejection frequency, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for gutters and drop deflection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gutter and drop deflection mechanism from the system by using a diverter member that selectively directs drops through the outlet opening. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the device structure while maintaining high drop ejection frequency through the flow-through mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter member is selectively actuated to divert liquid through the outlet opening on demand, creating a dynamic control mechanism that enables high drop ejection frequency without requiring complex static structures like gutters and deflection mechanisms found in continuous printing systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If a traditional drop-on-demand printing system is used to control individual drop formation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to lower drop ejection frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flow-through liquid drop dispenser where liquid continuously flows through the dispensing channel and is diverted through the outlet opening at high frequency. This continuous operation maintains high drop ejection frequency while the selective actuation of the diverter member ensures precise control over drop formation, combining the advantages of both traditional systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If a smaller outlet opening is used in traditional nozzles to improve manufacturing precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a larger outlet opening in the dispensing channel compared to traditional nozzles, which reduces the risk of clogging and improves reliability. The precise control over drop size is achieved not through the outlet opening size but through the selective actuation of the diverter member that controls the volume of liquid diverted through the opening.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional heating methods are used to phase change ink and expel droplets, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thermal actuators that rely on phase change and heating with a diverter member actuation mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous heating to maintain droplet ejection, reducing energy consumption while preserving precise control over drop formation through mechanical diversion of the liquid stream.
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 enhances reliability and performance by allowing precise control over drop size and ejection, reducing the risk of clogging and satellite drops, and eliminating the need for a gutter and drop deflection mechanism, while maintaining high drop ejection frequency.
Implementation Method 1
heats the ink. This causes a quantity of ink to phase change into a gaseous steam bubble that raises the internal ink pressure sufficiently for an ink droplet to be expelled
Implementation Method 2
With heat actuators, a heater, placed at a convenient location adjacent to the nozzle, heats the ink
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser includes liquid supply, dispensing, and return channels. A portion of a first wall of the liquid dispensing channel defines an outlet opening. A second wall of the liquid dispensing channel, positioned opposite the first wall, extends along a portion of the liquid supply and return channels. Liquid supply and return passages are provided that extend through the second wall in fluid communication with the liquid supply and return channels, respectively. The liquid return passage overlaps the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid drop is caused to be ejected from the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel by selectively actuating a diverter member to divert a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.