Liquid Jetting Nozzle Plate Channel Unit Ink Flow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid jetting apparatuses, slow-flowing ink tends to thicken and solidify near nozzles, leading to jetting defects due to drying, as it fails to flow downstream effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a channel unit with pressure chambers and link channels where the communication portion with the nozzle has a cross-sectional area smaller than other parts, increasing ink flow speed and preventing dried ink from staying near the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink is circulated in the vicinity of the nozzle, then ink flow is maintained, but thickened and solidified ink still stays near the nozzle and does not flow downstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the link channel by providing a communication portion with a cross-sectional area smaller than other portions. This parameter change increases ink flow speed in the communication portion, preventing thickened and solidified ink from staying near the nozzle while maintaining reliable ink circulation through the pressure chambers.
2Ease of manufacture
If the link channel has a uniform cross-sectional area, then manufacturing is simplified, but ink flow speed is insufficient and dried ink stays near the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a communication portion in the link channel with a cross-sectional area smaller than other portions. This localized geometric feature increases ink flow speed specifically where needed (in the communication portion near the nozzle) without complicating the overall manufacturing process of the channel structure.
3Speed
If the communication portion has a smaller cross-sectional area, then ink flow speed increases and drying is prevented, but pressure loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameter of cross-sectional area by providing a communication portion with a smaller area than other portions of the link channel. This parameter change increases ink flow speed to prevent drying while the overall channel design maintains sufficient pressure for ink circulation, balancing flow speed enhancement with pressure loss minimization.
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 enhances ink flow speed, reduces the likelihood of ink drying near the nozzle, and maintains sufficient pressure for efficient ink circulation, preventing nozzle defects and pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
in the link channel, a communication portion in communication with the nozzle has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to a first direction smaller than that of another portion
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid jetting apparatus includes a nozzle plate having a nozzle, and a channel unit having a first surface facing and joined with the nozzle plate. The channel unit has a first channel member having the first surface, and a second channel member having a second surface facing and joined with the first channel member. The second channel member is formed with a first pressure chamber, a second pressure chamber, a first opening and a second opening defined by the second surface, a first connecting channel connecting the first pressure chamber and the first opening, and a second connecting channel connecting the second pressure chamber and the second opening. The first channel member is formed with a third connecting channel connecting the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.