Inkjet Head Sealing via Capillary Gap Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet heads face issues with ink mist entering the device due to incomplete sealing, leading to degraded printing quality and speed, as the sealing agent is difficult to apply uniformly and may peel off, allowing ink mist to enter the head.

Innovation Solution

The inkjet head design incorporates a covering member with sidewalls and wall plates that form a gap, which is filled with a sealing agent using capillary action, ensuring a tight and stable seal to prevent ink mist entry and potential dirt accumulation, while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing agent is used to prevent ink mist from entering the inkjet head, then ink mist prevention is improved, but the sealing agent is difficult to apply uniformly and may peel off, leading to unreliable sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidsealing agent application uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible sealing member that can be elastically deformed to conform to the flow path unit surface. This flexible film structure allows uniform sealing without complex application procedures, as the material adapts to surface irregularities through elastic deformation rather than requiring precise manual application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is designed to automatically adhere to the flow path unit through its elastic properties and surface contact. The structure allows the sealing agent to self-position and self-adhere without requiring complex application equipment or procedures, achieving uniform sealing through the material's inherent properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If individual electrodes are disposed on the actuator surface, then ejection function is improved, but the electrodes may be short-circuited due to ink mist entry, degrading printing quality and speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidelectrode electrical isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a sealing member to the flow path unit surface before ink ejection operations begin. This preliminary sealing action prevents ink mist from entering the actuator area, thereby protecting the electrodes from short-circuiting before any potential contamination can occur during printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member acts as an intermediary barrier between the ink ejection area and the actuator electrodes. This intermediate structure blocks the path of ink mist, preventing direct contact between ink particles and electrodes while allowing the ejection function to operate normally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a sealing agent is applied to prevent ink mist entry, then sealing is improved, but the sealing agent may squeeze out under pressure, allowing ink mist to enter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing agent retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is designed as a flexible film that can elastically deform to accommodate pressure changes during ink ejection. This flexible structure maintains sealing effectiveness under pressure by adapting its shape rather than rigidly resisting deformation, preventing the sealing agent from squeezing out while maintaining the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is pre-installed on the flow path unit surface to provide continuous sealing protection during operation. This beforehand sealing arrangement ensures that ink mist is blocked from entering the actuator area throughout the printing process, preventing contamination before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively prevents ink mist from entering the inkjet head, maintaining printing quality and speed by ensuring a tight seal between the sidewalls and wall plates, and prevents the sealing agent from being squeezed out, making the inkjet head resistant to dirt and foreign objects.

Implementation Method 1

a seal positioned in the gap, wherein the seal is configured to prevent fluid from entering the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS7832827B2Inkjet head

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An inkjet head has a flow path unit having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The flow path unit ejects ink in an ink ejection direction. The flow path unit has wall plates positioned on the second surface, extending away from the flow path unit. The inkjet head has a cover contacting at least one of the wall plates. The cover covers a portion of the second surface, and the cover has sidewalls. A first portion of at least one of the sidewalls contacts a first portion of corresponding wall plates, and a second portion of at least one of the sidewalls and a second portion of the corresponding wall plates defines a gap between them. The inkjet head has a seal positioned in the gap, and the seal prevents fluid from entering the gap.