Inkjet Print Head Fluid Distribution With Slanted Filter Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution devices in print head assemblies suffer from gas bubble entrapment, which affects performance and require complex, large, and costly designs due to manifold bends and corners that trap gas bubbles, leading to reduced throughput and filter capacity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution device with a slanted filter configuration that increases the effective filter area without increasing footprint, combined with vent channels to efficiently remove gas bubbles, and a compact design using injection molded plastic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filter area is increased to improve fluid throughflow and filter lifetime, then the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned at an inclined angle rather than perpendicular to the flow direction, utilizing three-dimensional space within the fluid chamber. This angular arrangement allows the filter surface to extend diagonally through the chamber volume, effectively increasing the filter area without expanding the device's horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is nested within the existing fluid chamber volume by positioning it at an incline, allowing the filter structure to occupy diagonal space rather than requiring additional horizontal area. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available internal volume.
2Reliability
If vent channels are added to remove gas bubbles, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent channels are integrated directly into the fluid chamber structure during the injection molding process, combining the venting function with the chamber body. This merging approach adds gas removal capability without requiring separate external venting components or complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent channels provide passive gas removal by allowing gas bubbles to naturally rise and escape through the channels to the reservoir, eliminating the need for active pumping or complex control mechanisms. The system self-regulates gas removal through the inherent buoyancy of gas bubbles.
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
Enhances fluid throughput, extends filter lifetime, and reduces device size and cost by effectively removing gas bubbles, ensuring optimal fluid supply to print head units.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid permeable filter forming a dividing wall in the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
Said gas bubbles may accumulate into larger gas pockets and affect the performance of the fluid distribution device
Data Source
AI summary
A compact fluid distribution device for a print head assembly is provided, which device allows for the effective removal of gas from the device during operation and purging. The device comprises a fluid chamber with a fluid permeable filter forming a dividing wall in the fluid chamber, such that an inlet is positioned on a first side of the filter and the outlet is positioned on a second side of the filter. The filter is inclined with respect to a first direction parallel to a vertical direction during operation, such that a first volume in the fluid chamber between the filter and a first side wall facing the filter tapers in a direction away from the inlet.