Liquid Dispenser With Diverter And Guide Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow through liquid drop dispensers face challenges in reliability and performance, particularly in terms of nozzle clogging and complexity, which affect the precision and frequency of drop ejection in inkjet printing and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser design that eliminates the need for a nozzle by using a diverter member to direct liquid through an outlet opening, combined with a drop ejection guide structure that directs the liquid at a steep angle, and incorporates a porous member in the return channel to manage pressure and prevent air entry or spillage, all while using semiconductor materials for fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nozzle is used in traditional inkjet dispensers, then liquid can be directed precisely, but the nozzle is prone to clogging which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the nozzle component entirely from the liquid delivery system. Instead of using a nozzle to direct liquid, the invention employs a liquid supply channel that opens directly to an outlet opening, eliminating the clogging-prone nozzle while maintaining liquid delivery capability. This extraction of the harmful component directly resolves the contradiction between reliability and nozzle clogging.
2Ease of operation
If traditional inkjet printing systems are used, then drop ejection can be achieved, but the complexity of the system increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into simplified structures. The liquid supply channel serves both as a transport pathway and as the directing structure (replacing the nozzle). The outlet opening combines the functions of liquid exit and directional control. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Productivity
If drop ejection frequency is increased, then printing speed improves, but precision and reliability of drop formation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control elements including a movable diverter member that can rapidly switch liquid flow between the outlet opening and the liquid return channel. This dynamic switching capability allows for high-frequency drop ejection while maintaining precise control over drop formation. The liquid return channel with porous member provides dynamic pressure regulation that ensures consistent drop characteristics even at elevated ejection frequencies.
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 design enhances the reliability and performance of liquid dispensers by reducing clogging risks, improving drop ejection precision, and increasing frequency, while allowing for more efficient liquid flow and better control over drop formation and direction.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a porous member in the return channel to manage pressure and prevent air entry or spillage
Implementation Method 2
A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel
Implementation Method 3
A structure extends from the end of the outlet opening and is shaped to direct the portion of the liquid diverted from the liquid dispensing channel through a steep angle relative to the direction of travel of the liquid provided by the liquid supply channel
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening including an end, and a liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides liquid under pressure from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. A structure extends from the end of the outlet opening and is shaped to direct the portion of the liquid diverted from the liquid dispensing channel through a steep angle relative to the direction of travel of the liquid provided by the liquid supply channel.