Liquid Ejection Head Penetration Paths for High-Density Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection heads face challenges in arranging ejection ports in high density due to the complexity of forming circulation paths and supply paths on a single substrate surface, which affects ink circulation and print quality.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a circulation channel system where the substrate's second surface or outside features penetration supply and recovery paths, allowing for efficient ink circulation and high-density ejection port arrangement by separating the circulation channel from the substrate surface, enabling better ink flow and reduced deterioration near ejection ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If circulation paths and supply paths are formed on the same substrate surface as pressure chambers, then ink circulation can be achieved, but ejection port density is reduced due to space requirements for multiple paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection port densityVSAvoidcirculation path configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the circulation path from the substrate surface (2D plane) to the outside of the substrate, utilizing three-dimensional space. The circulation path is formed to extend from one end of the substrate, pass through the ejection surface side, and return to the other end, effectively using the substrate thickness dimension to resolve the space conflict between circulation paths and ejection ports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation path is divided into multiple segments: a first circulation path extending from one end through the ejection surface to the other end, and a second circulation path extending from the other end back to the first end. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path segment and enables high-density ejection port arrangement on the substrate surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple circulation paths are formed corresponding to each pressure chamber, then ink circulation efficiency is improved, but substrate area and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink circulation efficiencyVSAvoidsubstrate area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pressure chambers share a common circulation path that extends along the substrate perimeter. Instead of providing separate circulation paths for each pressure chamber, the invention merges them into a unified circulation system that serves all chambers, thereby maintaining circulation efficiency while minimizing substrate area usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation path configured outside the substrate serves multiple functions: it provides ink supply to all pressure chambers, enables ink circulation to prevent drying, and allows for compact substrate design. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated paths for each chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If supply paths are positioned on the substrate surface with pressure chambers, then ink supply is straightforward, but ejection ports cannot be arranged in high density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection port densityVSAvoidsupply path arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation path is extracted from the substrate surface and repositioned to the outside of the substrate. This extraction removes the constraint that supply paths must be on the same plane as pressure chambers, allowing ejection ports to be densely arranged on the substrate surface while the circulation path is configured externally to connect to all chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 allows for stable ink ejection with reduced ink deterioration, improved print resolution, and miniaturization of the substrate while maintaining high-density ejection port arrays, enhancing print quality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a circulation channel 7, through which the ink is circulated, is formed on the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCirculation flow:

Implementation Method 2

an ink jet print head that can pressurize liquid ink supplied into a pressure chamber by means of an ejection energy generating element so as to eject the ink staying in the pressure chamber through an ejection port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 3

the substrate's second surface or outside features penetration supply and recovery paths, allowing for efficient ink circulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid transport through penetration paths:

Data Source

PatentEP3421240B1Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 CANON KK
  • EP3421240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3421240B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3421240B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plurality of pressure chambers (3) are formed in a circulation channel (7) for liquid in order to array ejection ports (2) in a high density in association with the circulation channel (7). The circulation channel (7) is connected to a penetration supply path (6) and a penetration recovery path (6') that penetrate a substrate (4).