Inkjet Liquid Supply Paths for Uniform Multi-Nozzle Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet recording devices face challenges in uniformly ejecting liquid from multiple nozzles due to variations in pressure and flow resistance, leading to inconsistent ink delivery.

Innovation Solution

A liquid supply device with a pump system that includes a flow path with parallel division paths and ejection portions, equipped with check valves and flow path resistant members to regulate pressure and ensure uniform ejection from nozzles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pump is used to pressurize liquid for ejection from multiple nozzles, then the liquid can be delivered to the nozzles, but pressure variations and flow resistance differences cause non-uniform ejection from the nozzles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of liquid ejectionVSAvoidflow path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is divided into multiple parallel division flow paths, each equipped with its own check valve and flow path resistant member. This segmentation allows independent control and regulation of liquid flow in each branch, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and consistent ejection from multiple nozzles despite the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If check valves are added to prevent backflow and distribute liquid, then liquid direction control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid direction controlVSAvoidvalve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The check valves are designed to automatically open and close based on pressure differential without external control. When liquid pressure exceeds the first predetermined pressure, the check valve automatically opens to allow flow; when pressure drops, it automatically closes to prevent backflow. This self-regulating mechanism simplifies control operation while maintaining precise liquid direction management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If flow path resistant members are added to regulate liquid distribution, then uniform ejection from nozzles is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of liquid distributionVSAvoidflow path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Flow path resistant members with specifically designed resistance values are installed in each division flow path. These members create controlled pressure drops that compensate for variations in flow path length and nozzle characteristics. By carefully selecting the resistance parameters of each member, uniform liquid distribution and ejection are achieved across all nozzles, with each resistant member serving as a precision flow regulator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures consistent and uniform ejection of liquid from multiple nozzles, improving the quality and reliability of inkjet recording devices.

Implementation Method 1

distributes the liquid in the direction of ejection of the liquid toward the nozzle when a pressure of the liquid in the division flow path is equal to or greater than a first pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure threshold activation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

generates resistance to the distribution of the liquid and distributes the liquid in the direction of ejection of the liquid toward the nozzle when a pressure of the liquid that has passed through the check valve is equal to or greater than a second pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP4714661A1Liquid supply device and inkjet recording device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4714661A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4714661A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4714661A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A liquid supply device (8) includes ejection portions (82) which are respectively arranged in a plurality of division flow paths (84B). The ejection portion (82) includes a nozzle (821), a check valve (822) and a flow path resistant member (823). The check valve (822) is arranged on the upstream side of the nozzle (821) in the direction of ejection of the liquid and distributes the liquid toward the nozzle (821) when the pressure of the liquid in the division flow path (84B) is equal to or greater than a first pressure. The flow path resistant member (823) is arranged between the check valve (822) and the nozzle (821), generates resistance to the distribution of the liquid and distributes the liquid toward the nozzle (821) when the pressure of the liquid that has passed through the check valve (822) is equal to or greater than a second pressure greater than the first pressure.