Liquid Discharge Head with Dummy Pressure Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge heads with two pressure chamber groups and common channels require a large dimension in the first direction due to the positioning of the connection channel, which hinders efficient ink circulation between the common channels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liquid discharge head design featuring first and second pressure chamber groups with dummy pressure chambers that allow the common channels to communicate via these dummy chambers, reducing the need for a connection channel at the ends, thus maintaining a compact dimension in the first direction while enabling effective ink circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection channel is provided outside the ends of the common liquid chambers to allow liquid circulation, then liquid can circulate between the two common channels, but the dimension in the first direction of the liquid discharge head becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The connection channel is nested inside the common liquid chambers by positioning it to overlap with them in the first direction. This allows the connection channel to be contained within the boundary defined by the common liquid chambers, preventing the overall dimension in the first direction from increasing while still enabling liquid circulation between the common channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection channel is positioned to overlap with the common liquid chambers in the first direction, utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions. This overlapping configuration allows the connection channel to function without extending the overall length in the first direction, as it shares the same spatial envelope as the common liquid chambers.
2Productivity
If the connection channel is positioned outside the ends of the common liquid chambers, then liquid circulation is enabled, but the head dimension in the first direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection channel is nested within the spatial boundary of the common liquid chambers by positioning it to overlap with them in the first direction. This nesting arrangement enables efficient ink circulation through the connection channel while keeping the head dimension compact, as the connection channel does not extend beyond the common liquid chambers' envelope.
3Length of stationary object
If dummy pressure chambers are used to connect common channels, then the dimension in the first direction is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy pressure chambers serve multiple functions: they act as connection points between the common liquid chambers, maintain pressure balance in the ink circulation system, and define the boundary of the common liquid chambers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated connection structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added chambers.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge head includes: a first pressure chamber group formed by pressure chambers arranged in a first direction; a second pressure chamber group formed by pressure chambers arranged in the first direction, and disposed side by side with the first pressure chamber group in a second direction; a first common channel extending in the first direction and communicating with the pressure chambers composing the first pressure chamber group; a second common channel extending in the first direction and communicating with the pressure chambers composing the second pressure chamber group; a first dummy pressure chamber disposed on one side in the first direction relative to the first pressure chamber group; and a second dummy pressure chamber disposed on the one side in the first direction relative to the second pressure chamber group.