Liquid Ejection Head Protruding Pieces Channel Wall Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in miniaturizing liquid ejection heads with high-density channel arrangements is the risk of deformation or cracking of the walls defining the common channels during the adhesion process of component assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating protruding pieces with specific sloped portions in the common supply and return channels to enhance the rigidity of the channel walls, while maintaining smooth ink flow and preventing impediment, by positioning these pieces to connect the walls and distribute pressure effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of common channels is increased for high-density arrangement, then channel density is improved, but the wall thickness becomes small leading to deformation or cracking during adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common channel structure into segments by introducing partition walls that extend from the first wall toward the second wall. This segmentation reinforces the channel structure by creating multiple smaller supported sections, preventing deformation and cracking while maintaining high channel density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local reinforcement by adding partition walls specifically in regions where structural support is needed, rather than uniformly thickening all walls. This allows the channel density to be maintained in non-critical areas while providing targeted strength enhancement where adhesion-induced stress occurs.
2Strength
If the wall thickness is increased to prevent deformation, then structural strength is improved, but the channel density and miniaturization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing overall wall thickness, the patent uses partition walls to segment the common channel into smaller sections. Each segment is individually supported, providing structural strength equivalent to thicker walls while maintaining the original wall thickness and enabling higher channel density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the strength-density contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional wall thickness solution to a three-dimensional internal partition structure. The partition walls extend in the depth direction of the channel, providing reinforcement without increasing the external dimensions or reducing channel density.
3Strength
If protruding pieces are added to reinforce walls, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement function with the existing channel wall structure by forming partition walls that are integral parts of the channel architecture. This integration provides structural strength while avoiding the complexity of separate reinforcement components, as the partition walls serve both structural and channel-defining functions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A liquid ejection head is connected to a storage chamber having an outlet port and an inlet port. The liquid ejection head includes a plurality of discrete passages, a common channel and a protruding piece. The plurality of discrete passages each has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The common cannel is defined by two walls facing with each other. The common channel includes a common supply channel and a common return channel. The common supply channel is connected to the outlet port and to the inlet opening to introduce the liquid. The common return channel is connected to the outlet opening and to the inlet port to return the liquid. The protruding piece is provided in each of the common supply channel and the common return channel and protruding from at least one of the walls.