Dual-Nozzle Ejecting Head Layout for Selective Droplet Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid droplet ejecting apparatuses face challenges in achieving high resolution and high-speed recording due to the longitudinal arrangement of channel openings, which results in large pressure chambers and low natural frequencies, limiting the density and speed of droplet ejection.
Innovation Solution
The liquid droplet ejecting head is designed with first and second connecting channels having different inertances (M1 and M2) to control pressure wave propagation, allowing for selective ejection and high-resolution, high-speed recording without increasing pressure chamber size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the positions of openings in upstream ends of the first channel and the second channel are shifted in the longitudinal direction of the pressure chamber to make propagation time of pressure wave different, then selective ejection of liquid droplets is achieved, but the length of the pressure chamber becomes long, preventing high-density arrangement and high resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of channel openings from the longitudinal direction (parallel to pressure chamber length) to the width direction (perpendicular to pressure chamber length). This dimensional shift allows multiple channels to access the pressure chamber without increasing its length, enabling high-density arrangement while maintaining selective ejection capability through differential path lengths achieved in the width direction
2Reliability
If the positions of openings in upstream ends of the first channel and the second channel are shifted in the longitudinal direction of the pressure chamber, then selective ejection of liquid droplets is achieved, but the size of the pressure chamber becomes great, reducing natural frequency and preventing high-speed recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges channel openings in the width direction rather than the longitudinal direction, allowing the pressure chamber to maintain a compact size with reduced volume. This enables high natural frequency and high-speed recording while still achieving selective ejection through differential inertance caused by different channel path configurations
3Reliability
If the pressure chamber size is increased to accommodate longitudinal channel arrangement, then selective ejection is achieved, but the density of individual channels decreases, preventing high resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal arrangement (along the length) to width-direction arrangement (across the width) of channel openings. This allows multiple individual channels to be packed more densely within the same pressure chamber volume, increasing channel density and enabling high-resolution droplet ejection while maintaining selective ejection through differential inertance 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
This configuration enables selective ejection and high-density arrangement of small pressure chambers, enhancing resolution and recording speed by adjusting pulse widths and reducing the need for increased chamber size.
Implementation Method 1
in a case where inertance of a part constructed of the first connecting channel and the first nozzle is M1 [kg/m4], and inertance of a part constructed of the second connecting channel and the second nozzle is M2 [kg/m4], the liquid droplet ejecting head satisfies the following expression (1): M1≠M2
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid droplet ejecting head includes: a pressure chamber disposed along a plane; a first nozzle which is open in a direction crossing the plane; a second nozzle which is open in the direction crossing the plane; a first connecting channel which connects the first nozzle and the pressure chamber; and a second connecting channel which connects the second nozzle and the pressure chamber. Each of the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel includes a first channel extending in a direction parallel to the plane and a second channel extending in the direction crossing the plane. Inertance of a part constructed of the first connecting channel and the first nozzle, and inertance of a part constructed of the second connecting channel and the second nozzle are different from each other.