Ink Head Module Partition Layout for Uniform Temperature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head modules experience variations in ink temperature due to uneven heating, leading to inconsistent ink viscosity and discharge issues, such as uneven density and landing position deviations.
Innovation Solution
The head module incorporates partitions and channels with alternating narrow and wide sections within the liquid storage tank to promote ink stirring and uniform temperature distribution, using a heater on one wall to enhance thermal conductivity and reduce temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater is used to heat the liquid storage, then the temperature of the liquid can be adjusted to an optimum temperature, but temperature distribution becomes uneven causing viscosity variations and discharge inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage is divided into multiple partitions that extend from the first wall toward the second wall, creating multiple channels for liquid flow. This segmentation promotes uniform heat distribution across different regions of the liquid storage, preventing localized overheating or insufficient heating that would cause viscosity variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitions extend in the second direction (from first wall to second wall) which is perpendicular to the primary liquid flow direction (first direction). This dimensional arrangement creates a three-dimensional heat distribution network that ensures uniform temperature across the liquid storage volume, eliminating temperature gradients that affect discharge consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If partitions are added to the liquid storage, then temperature distribution becomes uniform, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage is segmented into multiple partitions that are arranged in a systematic pattern along the first direction. These partitions create multiple flow channels that enhance heat distribution uniformity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using standard fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitions are strategically positioned to create regions of optimized flow characteristics. The gaps between partition tips and the second wall are designed to allow sufficient liquid flow while maintaining structural simplicity. This local optimization achieves uniform temperature distribution without requiring complex overall redesign of the liquid storage.
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 ensures consistent ink temperature across the discharge heads, minimizing viscosity variations and improving ink discharge uniformity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is disposed on the first wall to heat the liquid in the liquid storage
Implementation Method 2
The channel has a first narrow portion, a wide portion wider than the first narrow portion in the second direction, and a second narrow portion narrower than the wide portion in the second direction, arranged in order of the first narrow portion, the wide portion, and the second narrow portion in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A head module includes a liquid discharge head, a liquid storage, and a heater. The liquid discharge head discharges a liquid in a first direction. The liquid storage stores the liquid. The liquid storage includes a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an inlet on one end of the liquid storage, an outlet on another end of the liquid storage, and multiple partitions. The inlet introduces the liquid to the liquid storage. The outlet feeds the liquid to the liquid discharge head. The multiple partitions extend from the first wall toward the second wall with gaps between tips of the multiple partitions and the second wall in the second direction, respectively. The multiple partitions are arranged at intervals in the first direction. The heater is disposed on the first wall to heat the liquid in the liquid storage.