Liquid Ejection Head Flow Path Member Thermal Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed liquid ejection heads face challenges in maintaining landing position accuracy due to temperature distribution-induced deformation of flow path members, which affects droplet placement and recording quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design where the common supply and collection flow paths are arranged side by side, with the flow path member's position defined at the center in the longitudinal direction and fixed in the thickness direction, using a support member to prevent deformation caused by temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a common supply flow path and common collection flow path are provided to supply and collect liquid for multiple recording element substrates, then liquid circulation efficiency is improved, but temperature distribution occurs causing flow path member deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path member is divided into multiple independent support regions, with each region supported separately by the support member. This segmentation prevents thermal deformation from propagating across the entire flow path member, maintaining positioning accuracy while allowing efficient liquid circulation through common flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the flow path member and the heating elements. It provides mechanical support and positioning for the flow path member while isolating it from direct thermal effects, preventing deformation caused by temperature distribution during liquid circulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If heating units are provided on recording element substrates to heat liquid, then recording quality is improved, but temperature distribution increases causing flow path member deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves as a thermal intermediary that mechanically supports the flow path member while minimizing thermal coupling. This allows heating units to effectively heat liquid for high-quality recording without transmitting excessive heat to the flow path member structure, maintaining its dimensional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member provides localized support at specific positions along the flow path member, creating regions of enhanced structural stability where thermal deformation is most likely to occur. This localized reinforcement maintains flow path geometry accuracy in critical areas while allowing controlled thermal management.
3Productivity
If a long line-type liquid ejection head is used for high-speed recording, then recording speed is improved, but temperature distribution effects are amplified causing greater deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path member is divided into multiple independently supported segments along its length. This segmentation breaks up continuous thermal deformation patterns that would occur in a long unified structure, maintaining positioning accuracy across the entire length of the line-type ejection head used for high-speed recording.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support points are distributed along the longitudinal axis of the flow path member, adding dimensional distribution of support rather than concentrating it at a single location. This multi-dimensional support arrangement compensates for thermal effects across the extended length of the ejection head, maintaining accuracy throughout the recording width.
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 high accuracy and quality of liquid ejection by stabilizing the flow path member, reducing deformation and maintaining precise droplet placement even at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats a liquid is provided on a recording element substrate
Implementation Method 2
a temperature of the liquid flowing through the common collection flow path becomes higher than a temperature of the liquid flowing through the common supply flow path, and a temperature distribution occurs. Due to this temperature distribution, a flow path member in which the common supply flow path and the common collection flow path are formed may be deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head includes a recording element substrate, a flow path member having a common supply flow path and a common collection flow path through which a liquid having a temperature higher than a temperature of the common supply flow path flows, and a support member supporting the flow path member. The common supply flow path and the common collection flow path are formed to extend along a longitudinal direction of the flow path member and be arranged side by side with each other in a lateral direction of the flow path member. The positions of the flow path member in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction are defined at a center portion in the longitudinal direction, and at a side surface located on the common supply flow path side in the lateral direction, among side surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction, respectively.