Inkjet Printhead Manifold Segmentation for Compact Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink manifolds in printheads have a large width dimension due to their shape, which results in a wider printhead, while maintaining desirable ink flow characteristics, necessitating a design that reduces the width without compromising ink flow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a planar ink manifold with transverse channels and connecting passages that provide uniform pressure distribution and flow restriction, allowing ink to flow between channels, reducing the width of the printhead while maintaining efficient ink flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a triangular chamber manifold shape is used to provide desirable ink flow characteristics, then ink flow uniformity is improved, but the width dimension from front to back increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into multiple discrete channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) arranged in parallel, each with its own connecting passages to ejection locations. This segmentation allows independent flow control and reduces the overall width compared to a single large triangular chamber while maintaining flow uniformity through distributed delivery points.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional triangular chamber layout to a three-dimensional multi-channel structure with vertical stacking and lateral arrangement. Channels are positioned at different heights and lateral positions, utilizing vertical space to reduce the front-to-back width while maintaining adequate flow paths to all ejection locations.
2Length of stationary object
If the manifold width is reduced to decrease printhead size, then device compactness is improved, but ink flow characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each channel is designed with locally optimized characteristics including varying cross-sectional areas, strategically positioned connecting passages, and tailored flow restrictions. The first channel has a larger cross-sectional area than the second and third channels, and connecting passages are positioned at specific locations along each channel to ensure uniform pressure distribution and flow characteristics despite the compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs parameter variations including different channel cross-sectional areas, varying passage dimensions, and adjusted flow restriction levels across different channels. These parameter changes are optimized to compensate for the reduced overall width while maintaining uniform ink flow characteristics to all ejection locations.
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 solution results in a significantly smaller printhead width from front to back while maintaining uniform ink pressure and flow rate across the ejection locations, achieving improved ink flow characteristics and reducing the overall size of the printhead.
Implementation Method 1
each connecting passage is sized such that it provides a greater flow restriction to ink flowing between the transverse channels than the restriction to flow of ink along the length of each transverse channel so that the pressure distribution of ink within said first transverse channel is substantially uniform along the length of said channel
Data Source
AI summary
An ink manifold for an inkjet printhead is provided, comprising a number of substantially parallel transverse channels 709,713 connected by one or more connecting passages 719. The resistance to flow provided by the connecting passages is substantially greater than the resistance to flow along the length of a transverse channel. The ink manifold provided by the present invention ensures that the ink pressure and flow rate presented to the ejectors of the printhead is uniform along the entire length of the ejector array and, moreover, does so in a shallower manifold design than has previously been known.