Liquid Ejection Head Crosstalk Inhibition via Flow Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid ejection heads suffer from 'crosstalk' phenomena, where the flow of energy-generating elements in one flow path affects adjacent paths, leading to suboptimal liquid distribution, increased viscosity, and changes in ejection direction, degrading print quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design featuring a liquid distribution path with branched circulation paths, an energy-generating element, and a structure extending along the flow path wall to overlap the distribution path, inhibiting crosstalk by promoting liquid flow into the circulating element while reducing unwanted flow into adjacent paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common supply flow path is used for multiple flow paths, then device complexity is reduced, but crosstalk occurs between adjacent flow paths degrading print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common supply flow path into separate flow paths by introducing flow path walls. Each flow path has its own dedicated supply path, preventing liquid from one flow path from interfering with adjacent flow paths. This segmentation eliminates crosstalk while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flow path walls as intermediary structures that separate adjacent flow paths. These walls act as barriers that prevent direct interaction between liquid flows in different paths, thereby eliminating crosstalk effects while allowing each path to function independently.
2Productivity
If liquid circulating element is driven to optimize flow in its own path, then liquid circulation efficiency is improved, but crosstalk causes unwanted flow in adjacent paths
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow paths into separate channels with dedicated supply paths, the patent ensures that driving the liquid circulating element in one path only affects that specific path. The flow path walls prevent the generated flow from spilling into adjacent paths, eliminating crosstalk while maintaining circulation efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow paths are separated to prevent crosstalk, then print quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by introducing flow path walls that divide the flow paths. This creates separate dedicated supply paths for each flow path, preventing crosstalk. The segmentation is achieved through relatively simple wall structures that do not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 design effectively inhibits crosstalk, ensuring optimal liquid circulation and ejection, improving print quality by maintaining the necessary flow amount and direction, and reducing viscosity issues.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid circulating element that is provided in the first liquid circulation flow path and generates energy for circulating the liquid through the first and second liquid circulation flow paths
Implementation Method 2
an energy generating element that is provided in the second liquid circulation flow path and generates energy for ejecting the liquid from the ejection orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head including a liquid distribution path with a first liquid circulation flow path that is branched from the liquid distribution path and a second liquid circulation flow path joined to the liquid distribution path. A flow path wall sections the first and second liquid circulation flow paths and an ejection orifice is provided in each of the second liquid circulation flow path. Energy generating elements and liquid circulating elements are provided in each of the first and second liquid circulation flow paths. A structure is provided on an extension line of a center line of the first flow path wall and is placed at a position at which the structure overlaps the liquid distribution path.