Head Module Damper for Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection head modules do not sufficiently reduce residual vibration effects in both the supply and return manifolds, leading to inefficiencies in liquid ejection processes.
Innovation Solution
A head module configuration that includes a pressure chamber, a piezoelectric member, a supply manifold, a return manifold, and a damper portion with a recessed plate design, where the damper portion is positioned between the supply and return manifolds to absorb residual vibrations, reducing their impact on both manifolds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a damper portion is provided only for the return manifold, then the structure is simpler, but residual vibration effect in the supply manifold is not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The damper portion is designed to serve dual functions: it reduces residual vibration in both the supply manifold and the return manifold simultaneously. This is achieved by positioning the damper portion at a location where it can interact with pressure waves in both manifolds, eliminating the need for separate dampers for each manifold while maintaining vibration reduction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the vibration damping function for both supply and return manifolds into a single integrated damper portion. By merging the damping function into one component rather than using separate dampers, the overall structure becomes simpler while still achieving comprehensive vibration reduction across both manifolds.
2Ease of operation
If the damper portion is positioned facing only the return manifold, then the positioning is simpler, but vibration reduction in the supply manifold is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The damper portion is strategically positioned to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it faces the return manifold for primary damping while also extending or being configured to interact with the supply manifold. This multi-functional positioning achieves comprehensive vibration reduction without requiring complex multi-location installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper portion is designed with an extended structure that operates in multiple spatial dimensions. By extending the damper in a direction that allows it to interact with both manifolds, the design achieves broad vibration reduction coverage while maintaining relatively simple positioning, as the extension naturally captures pressure waves from both supply and return paths.
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 effectively reduces residual vibration effects in both the supply and return manifolds, enhancing the handleability and simplicity of the head module while maintaining efficient liquid ejection performance.
Implementation Method 1
pressure is applied to liquid in a corresponding pressure chamber by a corresponding piezoelectric member (e.g., a pressure application member)
Implementation Method 2
The head module further includes a damper portion (e.g., an air damper) for releasing residual vibration transferred to the return manifold therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A head module includes a pressure chamber, a piezoelectric member, a supply manifold, a return manifold, and a damper portion. The pressure chamber is configured to hold liquid therein and in fluid communication with a nozzle orifice. The piezoelectric member is configured to apply pressure to liquid held in the pressure chamber. The supply manifold is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber and configured to allow liquid to flow into the pressure chamber therefrom. The return manifold is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber and configured to allow liquid not ejected from the nozzle orifice to flow thereinto. The damper portion is positioned between the supply manifold and the return manifold when viewed in plan from a nozzle surface of the head module. The nozzle surface has the nozzle orifice defined therein. The damper portion includes a particular plate having a particular recessed portion.