Liquid Ejection Head Bypass Path for Ink Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads, such as ink ejection heads, face challenges in circulating a sufficient amount of liquid due to high resistance in individual channels and filters, which can lead to inadequate particle precipitation and reduced ink circulation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bypass path that provides fluid communication between the supply and return manifolds across the filter and individual channels, allowing ink to circulate without passing through the filter and individual channels, thereby reducing resistance and ensuring sufficient liquid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is circulated via individual channels and filter, then particle precipitation is reduced, but the amount of liquid circulated decreases due to high resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is segmented into two parallel paths: one path through individual channels and filter for particle removal, and another bypass path for high-volume liquid circulation. This segmentation allows each path to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass path acts as an intermediary circulation route that connects the supply manifold and return manifold without passing through the high-resistance individual channels and filter. This intermediary path enables sufficient liquid circulation while the main path maintains particle precipitation reduction.
2Reliability
If filter is disposed in supply manifold, then particle filtration is improved, but liquid circulation amount decreases due to filter resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration function is separated from the main circulation path by creating a bypass route. The filter remains in the supply manifold for effective particle filtration, while the bypass path provides a low-resistance alternative for bulk liquid circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass path extracts the high-resistance filter and individual channels from the circulation loop, allowing liquid to circulate through a lower resistance path while the filter continues to perform its filtration function in parallel.
3Reliability
If individual channels are used for liquid circulation, then nozzle supply is ensured, but liquid circulation amount decreases due to channel resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a primary path through individual channels for reliable nozzle supply and a secondary bypass path for high-volume circulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function without being constrained by the limitations of the other path.
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 ensures a sufficient amount of ink is circulated, reducing particle precipitation and maintaining the ejection performance of the liquid ejection head.
Implementation Method 1
The bypass path provides fluid communication between the first manifold and the second manifold not via the individual channel
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head includes an individual channel, a first manifold, a filter, a second manifold, and a bypass path. The individual channel has a nozzle. The first manifold is in fluid communication with the individual channel. The filter is disposed in the first manifold. The second manifold is in fluid communication with the individual channel. The bypass path is positioned across the filter from the individual channel with respect to a direction perpendicular to a surface extending direction of the filter. The bypass path provides fluid communication between the first manifold and the second manifold not via the individual channel.