Liquid Discharge Head Inlet Outlet Alignment for Pressure Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid discharge heads experience unstable discharging due to significant differences in pressure applied at the inlet and outlet of the individual channel, leading to inconsistent meniscus maintenance and ink distribution.
Innovation Solution
The design aligns the inlet and outlet of the individual channel at the same position in the channel longitudinal direction, with a supply channel and return channel extending along this direction, ensuring equal pressure application through link channels and pressure chambers, thereby stabilizing the discharge process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inlet and outlet of the individual channel are positioned at different locations in the channel longitudinal direction, then the supply channel and return channel can be simplified in structure, but the pressure difference between inlet and outlet becomes large causing unstable discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by positioning both the inlet and outlet of the individual channel at the same location in the channel longitudinal direction. This configuration ensures that the pressure applied to both ends of the individual channel is equal, creating a pressure-balanced state that prevents unstable discharging. The supply channel and return channel are arranged to communicate with the retaining chamber via ports at the same position, achieving pressure equilibrium across the individual channel.
2Reliability
If the inlet and outlet of the individual channel are aligned at the same position, then pressure equality is achieved and discharging stability is improved, but the channel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the supply channel and return channel into a integrated structure where both channels extend in the channel longitudinal direction and communicate with the retaining chamber via ports at the same position. This merging approach allows the inlet and outlet of the individual channel to be aligned at the same location, achieving pressure balance while maintaining a relatively compact and unified channel structure rather than separate complex arrangements.
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
This configuration ensures stable ink discharge by equalizing pressure across the inlet and outlet, preventing unstable discharging and maintaining a consistent meniscus, while also allowing for downsized head designs and improved ink circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a first link channel having one end as the inlet and the other end linking to the pressure chamber; and a second link channel having one end as the outlet and the other end linking to the connecting channel, and wherein the inlet and the outlet are located at the same position in the channel longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge head includes an individual channel, a supply channel in communication with an inlet of the individual channel, and a return channel in communication with an outlet of the individual channel. The supply channel extends in a channel longitudinal direction, and communicates with a retaining chamber for retaining liquid via a supply port provided at one side with respect to the individual channel in the channel longitudinal direction. The return channel extends in the channel longitudinal direction, and communicates with the retaining chamber via a return port provided at the one side with respect to the individual channel in the channel longitudinal direction. The inlet and the outlet are located at the same position in the channel longitudinal direction.