Elongated Inkjet Recording Head for Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording heads face challenges in maintaining sufficient discharge pressure due to air bubbles in the ink pressure chamber, which are not effectively removed by existing designs with orifices on the ink supply path, leading to poor ink droplet discharge.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a piezoelectric MEMS type inkjet recording head with elongated ink pressure chambers, individual ink supply and discharge paths, and common paths that allow for ink circulation without mid-channel orifices, ensuring sufficient length for inertial resistance and pressure wave attenuation, enabling efficient air bubble removal and stable ink droplet discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If an orifice is provided on the ink supply path to maintain ink pressure, then discharge pressure is sufficient, but ink flow becomes insufficient and air bubbles cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply path is segmented into multiple independent paths, each serving a specific function. Some paths are dedicated to ink supply while others are dedicated to air bubble removal, allowing each path to be optimized for its specific purpose without the flow restrictions of an orifice
Solution Approach 2:
The air bubble removal function is extracted from the main ink supply path and implemented through separate circulation paths. This allows air bubbles to be removed through dedicated paths without restricting the main ink flow to nozzle chambers
2Productivity
If the ink pressure chamber is made elongated to improve ink circulation, then air bubble removal is enhanced, but the chamber volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation is extended in the longitudinal dimension of the pressure chamber rather than increasing cross-sectional area. The elongated chamber design allows ink to circulate through a longer path, improving air bubble removal efficiency while maintaining compact transverse dimensions and controlling overall volume
3Productivity
If individual ink supply paths are provided for each nozzle to improve ink circulation, then air bubble removal is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual ink supply paths are merged into a common ink supply path that serves all nozzle chambers. This unified approach allows ink to circulate through all chambers via a single path, improving air bubble removal efficiency while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate supply paths for each nozzle
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 high-density nozzle arrangement, stable ink droplet discharge at sufficient pressure, and prevents pressure wave transmission, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of inkjet recording.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric type actuator is known as a type of actuator that discharges droplets of ink by deforming and displacing the wall (vibration plate) of an ink pressure chamber using a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
ensuring sufficient length for inertial resistance and pressure wave attenuation
Implementation Method 3
ensuring sufficient length for inertial resistance and pressure wave attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an inkjet recording head includes a plurality of ink pressure chambers arranged in a first direction, a nozzle communicating with each of the ink pressure chambers, a plurality of individual ink supply paths which are arranged in a second direction and communicate with one end of each of the ink pressure chambers, a plurality of individual ink discharge paths which are arranged in the second direction and communicate with another end of each of the ink pressure chambers, a plurality of actuators configured to apply pressure to ink in the ink pressure chambers, a common ink supply path communicating with an end of each of the individual ink supply paths, and a common ink discharge path communicating with an end of each of the individual ink discharge paths.