Ink Jet Head Flow Path Segmentation for Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing piezo ink jet systems face challenges in achieving space-saving configurations for branched flow paths and efficient ink ejection, leading to increased ink discharge during cleaning operations due to complex and lengthy flow path arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A head and liquid ejecting apparatus design featuring a flow path member with upstream and downstream flow paths, including horizontal flow paths that branch equally and smoothly, buffer chambers, and filter chambers, allowing for symmetrical nozzle row arrangements and reduced ink discharge during cleaning, while maintaining high-quality ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flow paths are branched downstream of filters to supply multiple nozzle rows, then one ink can be supplied to multiple nozzle rows, but the flow path length becomes longer causing excessive ink discharge during cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to supply one ink to multiple nozzle rowsVSAvoidInk discharge amount during cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into upstream and downstream sections with filters positioned at the branching point. This allows the flow path to be divided into multiple independent branches, each serving specific nozzle rows, thereby reducing the total flow path length and minimizing ink discharge during cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Filters are installed upstream of the branching point to preliminarily clean the ink before it enters the multiple downstream flow paths. This preliminary filtration allows the downstream flow paths to be shorter since they don't need to accommodate filter chambers, thereby reducing ink discharge during cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If flow paths are branched to supply multiple nozzle rows, then multiple nozzle rows can share ink supply, but the configuration becomes complicated and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to supply ink to multiple nozzle rowsVSAvoidFlow path arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple downstream flow paths are merged into a single upstream flow path that passes through the filter. This consolidation simplifies the overall flow path configuration and reduces the number of separate filter chambers needed, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow paths are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations to achieve a compact configuration. By utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently and orienting flow paths vertically and horizontally, the design reduces the footprint and simplifies the overall arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flow paths are branched downstream of filters, then multiple nozzle rows receive ink, but the flow path length increases causing non-uniform ink supply

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to supply ink to multiple nozzle rowsVSAvoidInk supply uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into multiple short downstream branches originating from a common upstream section with filters. This segmentation ensures that each nozzle row receives ink from a short, uniform flow path, maintaining consistent ink supply pressure and flow rate across all nozzle rows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The design achieves compact branched flow paths, uniform ink supply, and reduced ink discharge during cleaning, ensuring high-quality ejection and space efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A piezo ink jet system is an on-demand type ink jet print system that discharges droplets of ink by deforming piezo elements through application of voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The flow path member includes filters provided in the liquid flow path... The flow path member includes filters that remove undesired matters and gas bubbles from the inks supplied from the ink cartridges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9895884B2Head and liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

Nozzle rows that discharge the same liquids are disposed at locations symmetrical about a reference line. The flow path member includes a first flow path member, a second flow path member joined to the first flow path member, a filter retainer member that is joined to the second flow path member and that holds filters, a third flow path member that is joined to the filter retainer member. The liquid flow path includes first horizontal flow paths that are provided between the first flow path member and the second flow path member and that divide the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit and buffer chambers provided on the first horizontal flow paths. Between the second flow path member and the filter retainer member, filter chambers are provided in regions that face the buffer chambers. The buffer chambers communicate with central portions of the filter chambers.