Inkjet Head Segmented Inlet and Outlet Pipes for Uniform Ink Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet heads face issues with non-uniform settling and dispersion of ink particles, leading to concentration variations of ejected ink, which can result in image defects like spots and increased ink material wastage due to unnecessary operations.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet head design includes a head body with a storage chamber, multiple inlet and outlet pipes extending in different directions, and filters positioned within the storage chamber to prevent impurities and ensure uniform ink distribution. Additionally, a cover plate and flow controllers are integrated to enhance ink circulation and prevent particle settling directly into the nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ink is stored in a conventional single-direction inlet/outlet system, then the structure is simple, but particles settle non-uniformly causing concentration variations at different nozzle positions
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation system is segmented into multiple inlet pipes and multiple outlet pipes positioned at different locations within the storage chamber. This segmentation allows ink to enter and exit at multiple points, creating more uniform circulation patterns that prevent localized particle settling and maintain consistent concentration across all nozzle positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the storage chamber are provided with different inlet and outlet pipe positions to create localized circulation zones. The first inlet pipe and first outlet pipe are positioned at one location while the second inlet pipe and second outlet pipe are positioned at another location, ensuring that each region of the chamber experiences adequate ink circulation and preventing concentration variations at different nozzle positions.
2Reliability
If ink particles are allowed to settle naturally, then the system operates passively with low energy consumption, but concentration dispersion occurs leading to image defects and requiring frequent ink purge operations
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation system operates continuously during printing operations, with ink constantly flowing through the storage chamber via the multiple inlet and outlet pipes. This continuous circulation prevents particle settling and concentration dispersion, ensuring consistent ink ejection and image quality throughout the printing process without requiring periodic ink purge operations to correct concentration variations.
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 non-uniform concentration of ink particles, reduces image defects, and minimizes ink wastage by improving ink circulation and reducing the need for unnecessary operations like ink purge.
Implementation Method 1
filters positioned within the storage chamber to prevent impurities and ensure uniform ink distribution
Implementation Method 2
multiple inlet and outlet pipes extending in different directions, improve ink circulation
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides an inkjet head including: a head body having a storage chamber capable of storing ink; a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe connected to the head body and which extend in first different directions and inject the ink in the first different directions; a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe connected to the head body and which extend in second different directions and eject the ink in the second different directions; and a nozzle plate positioned under the head body and which includes a plurality of nozzles.