Liquid Jet Head Pressure Buffering via Warp-Deformable Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink jet heads experience pressure fluctuation issues that affect ejection performance and image quality due to pressure waves transmitted through common ink chambers, which are not effectively buffered in side shoot type heads, especially when the configuration is applied to circulation type systems.
Innovation Solution
A liquid jet head with warp-deformable pressure buffering portions integrated into the inner surfaces of both common liquid chambers, allowing for effective buffering of pressure fluctuations and maintaining high printing stability, regardless of the ink system specification, by ensuring consistent pressure buffering across both inlet and outlet chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin pressure fluctuation buffering portion is formed in the common ink chamber (as disclosed in JP 2005-14618 A), then pressure fluctuation buffering is provided, but the buffering effect is insufficient when applied to side shoot type heads where channels communicate with common ink chambers at intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The single common ink chamber is segmented into multiple common ink chambers (first common ink chamber and second common ink chamber) positioned at different locations along the channels. This segmentation allows each chamber to buffer pressure fluctuations independently, providing effective buffering for side shoot type heads where nozzles are positioned at intermediate channel locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure buffering solution transitions from a single-point buffering approach to a distributed multi-dimensional buffering system. By placing multiple buffering portions at different positions (both at channel ends and at intermediate positions), the system buffers pressure fluctuations occurring at various locations along the channel length, effectively addressing side shoot configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pressure buffering portion is arranged only on the second ends of the channels, then the configuration is simple, but it cannot effectively suppress pressure fluctuation in side shoot type heads where channels communicate with common ink chambers at intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the common ink chamber are given different functional qualities. Buffering portions are strategically placed at specific locations (both at channel communication points and at intermediate positions) where pressure fluctuations are most significant. This localized buffering approach provides effective suppression without requiring complex overall restructuring.
Solution Approach 2:
Additional common ink chambers are introduced as intermediary elements between the ink supply system and the ejection nozzles. These intermediary chambers act as buffer zones that absorb and dampen pressure fluctuations before they reach the ejection points, effectively decoupling the pressure generation and ejection processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a circulation type ink jet head with two common ink chambers is used, then ink circulation is enabled, but it becomes difficult to determine which chamber should be set as inlet side or outlet side based on ink system specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple common ink chambers are designed with universal functionality, where each chamber can serve as either an inlet-side chamber or an outlet-side chamber depending on the specific ink system configuration. This multi-functional design allows the same head structure to adapt to different ink circulation arrangements without requiring redesign or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing chambers with fixed inlet/outlet roles, the invention inverts the approach by making the chamber roles interchangeable. The system is designed so that the functional assignment of inlet/outlet sides can be reversed or adapted based on external ink system requirements, providing flexibility without increasing internal structural complexity.
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 provides enhanced printing stability and versatility by effectively buffering pressure fluctuations within the liquid jet head, ensuring consistent ejection performance and improved image quality across various ink system configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure buffering portion configured to be warp-deformable along with pressure fluctuation inside the first common liquid chamber and the second common liquid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid jet head is provided with: a nozzle plate which includes a nozzle array having a plurality of nozzle holes arranged side by side along a Y direction; an actuator plate which is laminated on the nozzle plate and includes a channel group having a plurality of first channels communicating with the nozzle holes, the first channels being arranged in parallel at intervals along the Y direction; and an inlet ink chamber and an outlet ink chamber both communicating with the first channels on opposite ends in an extending direction of the first channels. A film member which can be warp-deformed along with pressure fluctuation inside the inlet ink chamber and the outlet ink chamber is arranged as a part of inner surfaces of each of the inlet ink chamber and the outlet ink chamber.