Liquid Ejection Head Narrow Flow Path Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable liquid ejection heads lack an effective mechanism for dissipating heat generated during the liquid ejection process, leading to potential image quality deterioration and increased nozzle temperature, which limits nozzle density and printing speed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a narrow width portion in the flow path of the liquid ejection head that is orthogonal to the liquid supply direction, allowing for increased surface area contact with the atmosphere during reciprocal movement, thereby enhancing heat dissipation without the need for additional thermal conductivity members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat dissipation structure is added to the liquid ejection head, then heat generated at liquid ejection can be dissipated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heat dissipation function directly into the flow path portion structure. The narrow width portion is formed as an inherent feature of the flow path, combining the liquid supply function and heat dissipation function into a single integrated component, thereby avoiding additional heat dissipation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path portion serves multiple functions: it supplies liquid from the storage portion to the ejection portion and simultaneously acts as a heat dissipation structure through its narrow width portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation components.
2Productivity
If nozzle density is increased to improve printing speed, then productivity increases, but heat generation increases leading to image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements heat dissipation through the narrow width portion before the liquid reaches the ejection portion. By dissipating heat in advance during the liquid's travel through the flow path, the temperature of the liquid and nozzle is controlled before ejection, enabling high nozzle density without excessive heat accumulation.
3Temperature
If additional thermal conductivity members are added to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation efficiency improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is merged into the existing flow path portion made of resin. By forming the narrow width portion as an integral feature of the flow path, the patent achieves heat dissipation without requiring additional thermal conductivity members, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 efficiently radiates heat generated during liquid ejection, maintaining stable printing quality and speed while reducing the risk of excessive temperature rises, without increasing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
heat generated at the time of ejecting liquid (also referred to as 'at the time of liquid ejection') is dissipated
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a liquid ejection head capable of efficiently dissipating heat generated at the time of liquid ejection. The liquid ejection head includes a storage portion storing liquid; an ejection portion provided with a nozzle to eject liquid and an element to generate energy to eject liquid from the nozzle; and a flow path portion having a flow path capable of supplying liquid from the storage portion to the ejection portion. In a second direction orthogonal to a first direction which is a direction of supply of liquid from the storage portion to the ejection portion, the flow path portion includes a narrow width portion smaller in width than the storage portion and the ejection portion.