Liquid Discharge Head Segmented Circulation for High-Viscosity Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-viscosity liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-speed and stable discharge due to increased channel resistance, leading to defective discharge issues, and existing solutions either increase apparatus size or result in excessive backpressure.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a liquid discharge head featuring a common supply channel, recovery channel, and an adjustment channel with a valve that opens under a predetermined pressure, allowing liquid to flow through a lower resistance path, reducing channel resistance and backpressure during high-speed discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cross-sectional area of the channel is increased to reduce channel resistance, then liquid supply capability is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid circulation system is segmented into multiple independent channels (first circulation channel and second circulation channel) with different functions. The first channel provides liquid supply with sufficient flow rate, while the second channel provides backpressure regulation, allowing each channel to be optimized independently rather than requiring a single large channel
2Productivity
If the flow rate of liquid through the discharge unit is increased for higher speed discharge, then discharge speed is improved, but backpressure exceeds the appropriate range causing defective discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is divided into two separate channels: the first circulation channel that supplies liquid at high flow rate for speed, and the second circulation channel that regulates backpressure for quality. This segmentation allows independent optimization of flow rate and backpressure without mutual interference
Solution Approach 2:
The second circulation channel acts as an intermediary mechanism that introduces controlled backpressure into the system. By regulating the flow rate through this channel, the system maintains appropriate backpressure levels even when the first channel operates at high flow rates for high-speed discharge
3Manufacturing precision
If high-viscosity liquid is used to suppress permeation into the recording medium, then recording quality is improved, but channel resistance increases leading to insufficient liquid supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two separate circulation channels to independently address the conflicting requirements: the first channel ensures sufficient liquid supply volume to overcome high viscosity effects, while the second channel maintains appropriate backpressure to prevent permeation, allowing high-viscosity liquid to be used effectively
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 enables suppression of defective discharge even at higher speeds by reducing pressure loss and maintaining appropriate backpressure, ensuring stable and high-quality liquid discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a valve (7) that opens under a predetermined pressure in the adjustment channel (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A common supply channel (4) is connected to one end of a discharge module having a discharge orifice (13) that discharges liquid, and a common recovery channel (5) is connected to the other end of the discharge module. A valve (7) connecting the common supply channel (4) and common recovery channel (5) is provided in an adjustment channel (6), and is opened under a first opening pressure. A pump causes liquid to flow from the common supply channel (4) toward the common recovery channel (5). Flow resistance of the common recovery channel (5) is smaller than flow resistance of the discharge module.