Inkjet Print Element Substrate High-Density Ejection Port Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing arrangement of ejection port arrays in liquid ejection heads increases the size of the print element substrate and the device, as multiple ejection port arrays require additional ink supply paths, leading to a larger substrate size.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of ejection ports with adjacent channels shifted in a direction perpendicular to the channel direction allows for multiple ejection-port arrays without increasing the substrate size, using a configuration where ejection ports communicate with independent channels and shared inflow and outflow ports, maintaining equal flow velocities and ejection characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple ejection port arrays are arranged with ink supply paths for each array, then the number of ejection ports increases, but the size of the print element substrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ink supply function for multiple ejection port arrays into a single shared ink supply path. The first and second ink supply paths are combined into one common path that supplies ink to both the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, eliminating the need for separate ink supply paths for each array. This reduces the substrate area while maintaining multiple ejection ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ink supply path serves multiple functions by supplying ink to both the first ejection port array and the second ejection port array simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows one path to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate paths, thereby reducing the overall substrate size while maintaining the capability to support multiple ejection arrays.
2Productivity
If ejection ports are arranged in multiple arrays, then ejection capacity increases, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of ejection ports to a two-dimensional array structure with multiple ejection port arrays (first and second arrays) positioned at different locations. This dimensional change allows the system to increase ejection capacity without proportionally increasing the device's length in any single direction, as the ports are distributed across a two-dimensional plane rather than extending linearly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second ejection port array is positioned within or adjacent to the region defined by the first ejection port array's ink supply path. The second pressure chamber is arranged to share space with the first pressure chamber's infrastructure, allowing compact nesting of multiple ejection arrays within a limited device footprint.
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 configuration enables high-density ejection-port array arrangements while suppressing the increase in substrate size, allowing for larger pressure chambers and improved ejection performance without adding inflow or outflow ports.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generating element provided for each of the plurality of ejection ports and generating a pressure for ejecting the liquid from the ejection port
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inkjet print head capable of favorably cleaning an ejection port surface and also of improving landing accuracy of ejected ink onto a print medium. For that purpose, a conductive layer formed of a conductive material is formed on a support substrate, flattening processing is executed, and a liquid ejection substrate is mounted on the support substrate with good positional accuracy without protrusion of a sealant for protecting an electric connection portion of the liquid ejection substrate from the ejection port surface.