Liquid Discharge Head Overlapping Flow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge heads for printing lack efficient design in terms of flow path configuration, leading to issues with liquid distribution, pressure fluctuations, and sedimentation of pigments, which affect printing quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The liquid discharge head features a first and second flow path member with overlapping supply and collecting branch flow paths, optimizing liquid distribution and pressure management through strategically positioned openings and flow path configurations, reducing sedimentation and improving printing resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional flow path configuration is used in liquid discharge head, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid distribution uniformity deteriorates and pressure fluctuations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple branch flow paths (first through fourth branch flow paths) that segment the liquid flow into distinct channels. Each branch flow path is connected to discharge holes at different positions, enabling independent control and uniform distribution of liquid to different regions of the discharge surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between distribution uniformity and configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different branch flow paths are configured with different characteristics (length, position, connection points) to match the local requirements of different discharge hole regions. The first and second branch flow paths serve different areas than the third and fourth, allowing optimized liquid distribution tailored to each local region's needs, improving overall uniformity while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional flow path design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but pigment sedimentation increases due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path configuration is designed in advance to prevent pressure fluctuations before they occur. By pre-configuring the branch flow paths with appropriate lengths, positions, and connection points, the system proactively ensures uniform liquid pressure distribution to all discharge holes, preventing pigment sedimentation before it can happen during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path design incorporates inherent feedback mechanisms where the configuration of branch flow paths automatically compensates for pressure variations. The interconnected nature of the branches creates a self-regulating system that maintains consistent pressure distribution, ensuring reliable printing quality without requiring active control systems.
3Productivity
If overlapping supply and collecting branch flow paths are used, then liquid distribution stability is improved, but flow path structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply flow path and collecting flow path are merged into a single integrated structure where branch flow paths serve dual functions. The same branch channels that supply liquid to discharge holes also collect excess liquid, eliminating the need for separate supply and collection systems. This merging reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the stability benefits of overlapping path configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each branch flow path is designed to perform multiple functions: supplying liquid to specific discharge holes, collecting excess liquid from those same holes, and maintaining pressure balance. This multi-functionality allows the flow path structure to achieve high printing efficiency through stable liquid distribution while avoiding the complexity of dedicated separate supply and collection systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A liquid discharge head 2 of the present disclosure includes: a first flow path member 4 that discharges a liquid; and a second flow path member 6, the second flow path member 6 includes a supply flow path 24 for sending the liquid to the first flow path member 4, and a collecting flow path 26 for collecting the liquid from the first flow path member 4, the supply flow path 24 includes a supply branch flow path 24a3 that branches out at a center portion of the second flow path member 6 in the first direction and extends in a first direction D1 and in a third direction D3 opposite thereto, the collecting flow path 26 includes a collecting branch flow path 26a3 that branches out at the center portion of the second flow path member 6 in the first direction D1 and extends in the first direction D1 and in the third direction D3, and when viewed in plan, the supply branch flow path 24a3 and the collecting branch flow path 26a3 are disposed so as to overlap each other.