Liquid Ejecting Head Flow Path Enclosure for Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, the cleaning operation often expels more ink than necessary due to increased viscosity, particularly with inks like black ink, which affects landing precision and requires excessive ink removal, leading to inefficient ink usage and potential clogging.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design with a flow path member where the first flow path, having a higher ratio of demarcation wall to external contour, inhibits solvent evaporation, allowing for reduced ink expulsion during cleaning, specifically by using a layout where the first flow path is more enclosed than the second flow path, thereby maintaining ink viscosity and reducing unnecessary ink removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning operation expels liquid to remove viscosity increase, then the ejection characteristics are restored, but excessive liquid is expelled leading to waste and potential clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow path structures for different liquids. The first flow path (for black ink) has a higher ratio of enclosed space, providing better moisture retention, while the second flow path (for color inks) has a lower ratio. This localized structural differentiation allows each liquid type to maintain optimal viscosity characteristics, reducing the need for excessive liquid expulsion during cleaning operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the flow path is more enclosed to inhibit solvent evaporation, then ink viscosity is maintained, but the flow path structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into multiple distinct channels (first flow path for black ink, second flow path for color inks) with different structural characteristics. Each segment is optimized for its specific liquid type, with the first flow path having greater enclosure to prevent solvent evaporation and maintain viscosity stability. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through modular, differentiated structures rather than a single uniform design.
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 design reduces the total amount of ink expelled during cleaning operations, maintaining ink ejection characteristics and preventing clogging, while ensuring precise ink landing by minimizing solvent evaporation and viscosity issues in high-visibility inks like black ink.
Implementation Method 1
evaporation of moisture (a solvent component) of the first liquid from the first flow path is inhibited
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow path member in which a first substrate and a second substrate are joined to each other by an adhesive so that flow paths extending in directions along a junction surface between the first substrate and the second substrate are formed, and an ejection unit. The flow paths include a first flow path through which a first liquid flows and a second flow path through which a second liquid flows. The ratio of presence of a flow path between a demarcation wall that at least partially forms the first flow path and an external contour of the flow path member in the directions along the junction surfaces is greater than the ratio of presence of a flow path between a demarcation wall that at least partially forms the second flow path and the external contour of the flow path member.