Liquid Discharge Head Division Member Suppresses Satellite Droplets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge heads often generate satellites during the recording process, which can lead to deteriorated recording quality due to the separation of the liquid tail into smaller sub-drops, deviating from the main drop's landing position on the recording medium.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge head with a division member that divides the discharge outlet into multiple regions, where the second surface is positioned lower than the first surface, effectively reducing the length of the tailing portion and suppressing the generation of satellites by dividing the liquid into smaller, independent droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a protruding portion is formed at the opening of the discharge outlet to suppress satellite generation, then satellite generation is reduced, but the liquid discharge head structure becomes more complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge outlet is divided into multiple regions by a division member that extends from the inner wall toward the center, creating separate discharge paths. This segmentation prevents the liquid tail from forming a continuous column that would generate satellites, while avoiding the need for complex protruding structures at the outlet opening.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the discharge outlet opening in the conventional direction (adding protrusions), the invention introduces a division member that extends axially into the discharge outlet from the inner wall. This dimensional approach divides the liquid discharge path without complicating the outlet structure, effectively suppressing satellite generation through spatial separation of liquid flow regions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the liquid tail is shortened to suppress satellite generation, then recording precision is improved, but the liquid discharge control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The division member segments the liquid discharge path into multiple regions, which naturally limits the length and continuity of the liquid tail. This segmentation achieves precise recording by preventing satellite formation without requiring complex control mechanisms, as the physical structure itself constrains the liquid flow behavior.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a division member is formed inside the discharge outlet to divide it into multiple regions, then satellite generation is suppressed, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The division member is designed as a simple structural element that extends from the inner wall toward the center of the discharge outlet, dividing it into multiple regions. This straightforward segmentation structure is easier to manufacture than complex protruding portions or precision-tuned outlet geometries, as it can be integrated into the discharge outlet body through standard manufacturing processes.
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 significantly reduces the generation of satellites and mist, enhancing recording quality by ensuring that the droplets land independently without rejoining, resulting in improved precision and reduced recording errors.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid discharge head mounted on a liquid discharge apparatus that performs recording by discharging a liquid to a recording medium applies energy, such as heat, to the liquid, and discharges the liquid from a discharge outlet
Implementation Method 2
applies energy, such as heat, to the liquid, and discharges the liquid from a discharge outlet
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, a liquid discharge head includes a discharge outlet configured to discharge a liquid, wherein a division member dividing the discharge outlet into a plurality of regions is formed in the discharge outlet when viewed from a position facing the discharge outlet, wherein, when a direction in which the liquid is discharged from the discharge outlet is a direction upward from bottom, the division member has a first surface and a second surface facing upward, and wherein the second surface is disposed at the bottom lower than the first surface.