Flow Channel Member Pressure Fluctuation Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid ejection heads experience pressure fluctuation issues in the integrating channel, which are transferred through common and individual channels to the ejection holes, affecting the ejection of liquid.

Innovation Solution

The channel member design includes first and second common channels with connection channels that reduce pressure fluctuation transfer, featuring alternating alignments and damper structures to stabilize liquid flow and ejection characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional channel structures are used to supply liquid to ejection holes, then liquid supply is achieved, but pressure fluctuation is transferred from integrating channels through common channels to ejection holes, degrading ejection stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection stabilityVSAvoidpressure fluctuation transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the common channel into multiple segments (first common channel and second common channel) separated by a partition wall. This segmentation isolates pressure fluctuations in one segment from affecting other segments, preventing the propagation of pressure variations to ejection holes and improving ejection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates individual channels within the structure of common channels, creating a nested configuration where individual channels are embedded in the partition wall separating the first and second common channels. This nested structure allows independent liquid supply paths while maintaining structural integration, effectively blocking pressure fluctuation transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If simple channel alignment is used, then manufacturing is easier, but pressure fluctuation transfers more easily between channels, reducing ejection precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection precisionVSAvoidchannel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of ejection holes relative to the common channels. The ejection holes are arranged at specific offsets from the channel centers, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes liquid flow paths and minimizes pressure fluctuation effects. This asymmetric design enhances ejection precision while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 minimizes pressure fluctuation impact on ejection holes, enhancing the stability and precision of liquid ejection, allowing for improved printing resolution and reduced fluid crosstalk.

Implementation Method 1

a small thickness portion 96 which is a portion having a wall thinner than those of the other portions; and a damper chamber 97 which is a space arranged on the opposite side to the first common channel 20 sandwiching the small thickness portion 96 therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3299171B1Flow channel member, liquid-discharging head, and printing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3299171B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3299171B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3299171B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A flow channel member according to the present disclosure comprises an integrating flow channel 22, multiple common flow channels 20, multiple individual flow channels 12, and multiple discharge holes 8. The integrating flow channel 22 extends in a first direction. The multiple common flow channels 20 extend in a second direction, are disposed at intervals in the first direction, and are each connected to the integrating flow channel 22. Multiple individual flow channels 12 are connected to each of the multiple common flow channels 20. Each of the multiple discharge holes 8 is connected to at least one corresponding channel among the multiple individual flow channels 12. Each of the multiple common flow channels 20 comprises a first connection region C, to which multiple individual flow channels 12 are connected, and a second connection region 90 that is connected to the integrating flow channel 22. Each of the multiple common flow channels 20 has an opening 20a that is provided in the second connection region 90 and is connected to the integrating flow channel 22, and a damper 91A provided in a portion facing the opening 20a.