Ink Jet Flow Path Member with Point-Form Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printer flow path members with filters experience increased pressure loss and risk of meniscus destruction due to filter deformation and contact with the flow path walls, especially when handling high viscosity inks.
Innovation Solution
A flow path member design featuring a first and second liquid flow path space with a filter in between, where a support protrudes from the bottom surface to prevent filter sticking and includes a point-form projection to aid bubble discharge, allowing for a reduced filter area and lower height while maintaining effective ink flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is installed in the liquid flow path to remove foreign matter and bubbles, then the reliability of ink ejection is improved, but the filter changes shape due to ink pressure and contacts the flow path wall, reducing the effective filter area and increasing pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure provides localized reinforcement at the downstream side of the filter, creating a region with different mechanical properties (higher stiffness) only where needed to prevent filter deformation and contact with the flow path wall, while maintaining the filter's flexibility and filtering function in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-installed in the flow path member to provide preventive reinforcement against filter deformation caused by ink pressure, acting as a cushioning element that stops the filter from contacting the flow path wall before damage occurs
2Reliability
If the filter area is increased to improve filtering performance, then the effective filtering area is improved, but the height of the flow path member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure extends in the vertical dimension (height direction) to provide reinforcement, allowing the filter to maintain a compact horizontal footprint while gaining the necessary mechanical support to prevent deformation and maintain effective filtering area without increasing overall height
3Stability of the object's composition
If the filter is pressed against the bottom surface due to high viscosity ink pressure, then the filter stability is improved, but the effective filter area is reduced and the meniscus may be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure creates a localized stiffened region at the downstream side of the filter, providing targeted mechanical reinforcement that stabilizes the filter against high viscosity ink pressure without causing excessive contact with the flow path wall, thereby maintaining the effective filtering area
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 pressure loss, prevents filter sticking, and enhances bubble discharge, improving the overall performance and reliability of the ink jet printer by maintaining the effective area of the filter and reducing the risk of meniscus destruction.
Implementation Method 1
a filter which filters liquid passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
generating pressure variation in ink within the pressure chamber by driving of a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path member includes a first space which is opened by a first liquid flow path, and into which liquid flows from the first liquid flow path; a second space which is opened by a second liquid flow path on a bottom surface at the opposite side to the first space, and out of which liquid flows from the second liquid flow path; a filter which filters liquid passing therethrough, and which is included between the first space and the second space; and a support which protrudes from the bottom surface of the second space toward the filter side, in which the support is a point-form projection.