Liquid Discharge Head Buffer Chamber Projecting Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density liquid discharge heads with high liquid flow rates experience meniscus vibration at discharge ports, leading to defective discharge, such as discharge irregularity and reduced flow rates, due to inertial forces and gas expansion in buffer chambers.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge head design featuring a support member with a liquid chamber and a buffer chamber that includes projecting portions within the opening to the liquid chamber, which reduces meniscus vibration by separating and discharging buffer spillover bubbles, thereby maintaining stable ink flow and preventing blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of discharge ports is increased to achieve high-speed recording, then productivity is improved, but meniscus vibration occurs leading to defective discharge
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the liquid chamber and discharge ports. This buffer chamber absorbs meniscus vibrations and stabilizes liquid flow, preventing vibration transmission to the discharge ports while maintaining high discharge speed capability
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer chamber is positioned upstream in the liquid flow path to cushion and absorb vibrations before they reach the discharge ports. This preemptive vibration absorption prevents meniscus instability at the discharge ports during high-speed operation
2Productivity
If liquid flow rate per unit time is increased to achieve high-speed recording, then productivity is improved, but meniscus vibration amplitude increases causing defective discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer chamber serves as a mediator that decouples the high flow rate liquid supply from the discharge ports. It absorbs the inertial forces and vibration generated by high flow rates, delivering stable liquid to the discharge ports regardless of flow rate variations
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the buffer chamber in the liquid flow path before the discharge ports, vibrations generated during high flow rate operation are cushioned and damped before reaching the discharge points, ensuring regular discharge even at high speeds
3Reliability
If gas accumulates in the buffer chamber to suppress meniscus vibration, then discharge accuracy is improved, but gas expansion blocks liquid flow paths causing defective discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer chamber is segmented with a partition wall that creates separate regions: a first region for gas accumulation that suppresses vibration, and a second region for liquid flow. This segmentation prevents gas from blocking the liquid flow path while maintaining vibration suppression functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the buffer chamber are assigned different functions: the first region (with larger volume) is optimized for gas storage and vibration absorption, while the second region is optimized for liquid flow. This local differentiation allows gas accumulation without flow blockage
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 effectively suppresses meniscus vibration and reduces defective discharge by ensuring consistent ink supply to discharge ports, improving discharge accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer chamber that stores gas (for example, bubble). By using the gas in the buffer chamber, the meniscus vibration at discharge ports is absorbed and attenuated
Implementation Method 2
the buffer chamber has, in the second surface, an opening having a projecting portion projecting toward the inner side of the opening... separates and discharging buffer spillover bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge head includes a print element substrate provided with discharge ports, through which liquid is discharged; and a support member having a liquid chamber, which is provided with a communicating opening that communicates with the discharge ports, wherein the liquid chamber has a first surface provided with the communicating opening, and a second surface facing the first surface, the second surface is provided with a buffer chamber, which is a hollow space for storing gas, and the buffer chamber has, in the second surface, an opening having a projecting portion projecting toward the inner side of the opening.