Liquid Discharge Head Nozzle Density Crosstalk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge heads face challenges in increasing nozzle density and reducing crosstalk between nozzles, leading to larger device sizes and varying discharge characteristics due to pressure interference through common-supply and common-collection branch channels.

Innovation Solution

The liquid discharge head incorporates a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of nozzles with common-supply and common-collection branch channels, featuring bypass channels and strategically positioned supply and collection ports to minimize pressure interference, while optimizing channel widths and dampers to reduce fluid resistance and crosstalk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If nozzles are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix with common-supply and common-collection branch channels, then nozzle density is increased and device size is reduced, but pressure interference and crosstalk between nozzles occur leading to varying discharge characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle densityVSAvoiddischarge characteristic uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid discharge head is divided into multiple independent liquid discharge units, each comprising a pressure chamber, supply channel, collection channel, and bypass channel. This segmentation isolates the pressure control paths of adjacent nozzles, reducing pressure interference and crosstalk while maintaining high nozzle density through the compact two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Bypass channels are introduced as intermediary pathways that connect the supply channel and collection channel in parallel. These bypass channels act as pressure equalization paths that reduce pressure fluctuations and interference between adjacent nozzles, stabilizing discharge characteristics without compromising nozzle density or requiring increased device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If common-supply and common-collection branch channels are used to supply and collect liquid from multiple pressure chambers, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure interference between nozzles increases causing crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel structure complexityVSAvoidcrosstalk between nozzles

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The channel system is segmented into individual supply channels and collection channels for each pressure chamber, rather than using fully shared common channels. This segmentation reduces the propagation of pressure waves between nozzles, minimizing crosstalk while maintaining structural efficiency and avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Bypass channels serve as intermediary elements that provide alternative flow paths between supply and collection channels. These bypass channels dampen pressure fluctuations and reduce the transmission of pressure interference through the common channel system, thereby reducing crosstalk without requiring complete isolation of each nozzle's fluid path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If bypass channels are added to connect supply and collection channels, then crosstalk is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge stabilityVSAvoidchannel fabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass channels are merged with the existing supply and collection channel structures to form an integrated channel network. By combining the bypass function with the primary fluid pathways, the design achieves discharge stability without requiring separate, additional components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while still reducing crosstalk through the bypass functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances nozzle density, reduces device size, and stabilizes liquid discharge by minimizing crosstalk and fluid resistance, allowing for efficient liquid distribution and reliable operation with various liquid types.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of bypass channels connecting the plurality of bypass supply ports and the plurality of bypass collection ports, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11034152B2Liquid discharge head, head module, head device, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid discharge head includes a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge a liquid, the plurality of nozzles arrayed in a two-dimensional matrix forming a plurality of nozzle groups, a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the plurality of nozzles, respectively, a plurality of supply ports communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers, respectively, a plurality of common-supply branch channels communicating with two or more of the plurality of pressure chambers through the plurality of supply ports, respectively, a plurality of collection ports communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers, respectively, and a plurality of common-collection branch channels communicating with two or more of the plurality of pressure chambers through the plurality of collection ports, respectively.