Inkjet Head Decompression Membrane for Bubble-Free Ink Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording technologies face issues with bubble entrapment in the recording head, leading to insufficient ink ejection performance, increased ink consumption during suction recovery processes, and decreased productivity due to ejection failures.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet recording method utilizing a recording head with a gas permeable membrane of 0.01 mm or more thickness, where the surface tension of the aqueous ink and surface energy of the membrane satisfy a specific relationship, effectively transferring bubbles from the liquid retention chamber to the decompression chamber for efficient removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deaeration unit including a hollow fiber module or filter is introduced into the ink supply path, then bubble trapping capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bubble trapping function and decompression function into a single integrated deaeration unit. The hollow fiber module serves both as a bubble trap and as a decompression mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective bubble removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fiber module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a filter for bubble trapping, provides a large surface area for gas permeation, and serves as a structural component of the recording head. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If a membrane is used for bubble separation, then bubble trapping is improved, but membrane strength becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hollow fiber module with thin-walled structures that provide sufficient mechanical strength while maintaining high gas permeability. The hollow fiber configuration distributes mechanical stress evenly across the structure, allowing the use of thinner, more permeable materials that would not be possible with conventional flat membranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fiber module utilizes porous material structures that provide both mechanical integrity and gas permeability. The porous walls of the hollow fibers allow efficient bubble separation through gas permeation while the overall three-dimensional structure maintains structural strength and stability.
3Reliability
If suction recovery process is performed multiple times to remove bubbles, then ejection stability is improved, but ink consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary decompression action through the hollow fiber module that removes bubbles from the ink supply path before they reach the ejection orifices. This preliminary bubble removal prevents bubbles from causing ejection failures, thereby maintaining ejection stability without requiring multiple suction recovery processes and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fiber module acts as an intermediary component between the ink storage portion and the recording head. It provides a dedicated space and mechanism for bubble removal, serving as a buffer that prevents bubbles from reaching the ejection system. This intermediary function eliminates the need for repeated suction recovery operations and maintains continuous stable ejection.
4Strength
If gas permeable partition wall is used instead of membrane, then structural strength is improved, but bubble discharge effect becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hollow fiber module with porous walls that provide both structural strength and effective gas permeability. The porous structure allows bubbles to pass through the partition wall efficiently while the three-dimensional hollow fiber configuration maintains mechanical integrity, achieving both strength and effective bubble discharge simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional membrane structure to a three-dimensional hollow fiber module. This dimensional change provides additional surface area for bubble contact and passage, improving bubble discharge effectiveness while the spatial distribution of the hollow fibers enhances structural strength through three-dimensional load distribution.
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 suction recoverability and ejection stability by minimizing the number of suction recovery processes required, improving productivity and maintaining consistent ink ejection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a gas permeable membrane having a thickness of 0.01 mm or more and arranged at a boundary between the liquid retention chamber and the decompression chamber
Implementation Method 2
a decompression chamber, which is arranged adjacent to the liquid retention chamber, and which is configured to be capable of decompressing an inside of the liquid retention chamber
Implementation Method 3
a surface tension γi (mN/m) of the aqueous ink at 25°C and a surface energy γm (mN/m) of the gas permeable membrane satisfy a relationship of the following formula (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
An ink jet recording method of recording an image through use of an ink jet recording apparatus (1000) includes a recording head (1) including: an ejection orifice (13) configured to eject an aqueous ink; a pressure chamber (12) in communication with the ejection orifice; an ejection element, which is arranged in the pressure chamber, and which is configured to generate energy for ejecting the aqueous ink from the ejection orifice; a liquid retention chamber that can supply the aqueous ink to the pressure chamber; a decompression chamber (760), which is arranged adjacent to the liquid retention chamber, and which is configured to be capable of decompressing an inside of the liquid retention chamber; and a gas permeable membrane (710) having a thickness of 0.01 mm or more and arranged at a boundary between the liquid retention chamber and the decompression chamber.