Liquid Ejection Head Seal Member Air Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection heads, air accumulation occurs in the flow channels due to the low gas-barrier characteristics of elastic materials used for adhesiveness between flow channel members, leading to inefficiencies in inkjet printing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design incorporating a seal member made of an elastic material that connects flow channel members in a water-tight manner, with a communicating flow channel and filter to prevent air accumulation, and an ink circulating mechanism to discharge air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an O-ring formed of an elastic material is arranged at the position where liquid flow channels are joined, then adhesiveness between flow channel members is secured, but air enters and accumulates in the liquid flow channel due to low gas-barrier characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member made of elastic material with high gas-barrier characteristics is introduced as an intermediary component between flow channel members. This seal member specifically blocks air entry while maintaining liquid flow, resolving the contradiction between adhesiveness and air prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is positioned specifically at the joining position between flow channel members where air entry occurs. This localized sealing approach prevents air accumulation without compromising overall adhesiveness or liquid flow in other areas
2Reliability
If flow channel members are joined using elastic material, then water-tight connection is achieved, but gas-barrier characteristics are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is formed from composite material or material with specific properties that combine elasticity for water-tight sealing with high gas-barrier characteristics. This composite approach simultaneously achieves both water-tight connection and air prevention
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
The design effectively prevents air accumulation in the flow channels, ensuring reliable ink flow and preventing clogging of ejection ports, thereby enhancing the performance and efficiency of inkjet printing.
Implementation Method 1
a seal member formed of an elastic material, wherein the seal member constitutes a part of the supply and discharge flow channel and connects the first flow channel member to the second flow channel member in a water-tight manner
Implementation Method 2
The communicating flow channel may be communicated with the supply and discharge flow channel via a filter disposed in the interior of the second flow channel member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head may include a first flow channel member and a second flow channel member, wherein the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member are disposed to form a liquid supply flow channel configured to supply liquid to an ejection port, a supply and discharge flow channel communicated with a supply port and a discharge port, and a communicating flow channel configured to communicate the supply and discharge flow channel to the liquid supply flow channel. The liquid ejection head may also include a seal member which constitutes a part of the supply and discharge flow channel and connects the first flow channel member to the second flow channel member in a water-tight manner. The communicating flow channel may be communicated with the supply and discharge flow channel via a filter disposed in the interior of the second flow channel member.