Liquid Ejecting Head Dummy Passages Binder Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In inkjet heads, the redundancy of binder material can move into ink passages and pressure chambers, leading to uneven ink ejection performance among nozzles, as it binds the actuator unit and affects its driving mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting head design featuring a passage unit with stacked plates and dummy passages that extend from the actuator unit's fix area to the atmosphere, preventing binder redundancy from entering pressure chambers and ensuring uniform actuator operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a binder is used to fix members forming the head, then the members are securely assembled, but redundant binder moves into ink passages and pressure chambers, deteriorating ink ejection performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidink ejection performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The passage unit is divided into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, etc.) that are stacked together. Dummy passages are formed in specific plates to segment the potential paths of binder redundancy, directing it away from functional ink passages and pressure chambers while maintaining structural integrity through the stacking arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Dummy passages act as intermediary channels that intercept and redirect binder redundancy before it can reach the ink passages and pressure chambers. These dummy passages provide a designated path for excess binder, preventing it from contaminating the functional ejection system while allowing the binder to perform its assembly function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If an actuator unit is fixed to the passage unit with binder, then the actuator is securely mounted, but redundant binder moves to the side and surface of the actuator unit, binding it and causing driving problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting strengthVSAvoidactuator driving
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The passage unit is segmented into multiple plates with dummy passages strategically positioned to intercept binder redundancy at the boundaries of the actuator unit's fix area. This segmentation creates controlled zones that prevent binder from migrating to the actuator unit's side and surface, ensuring smooth actuator operation while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Dummy passages serve as intermediary channels that capture and redirect excess binder away from the actuator unit. By providing an alternative path for binder redundancy, these dummy passages prevent the binder from binding the actuator unit's moving parts, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving mounting strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If dummy passages are added to the passage unit, then binder redundancy is restrained from entering pressure chambers, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink ejection uniformityVSAvoidpassage unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The passage unit is divided into multiple plates, with dummy passages formed in specific plates (e.g., second plate, third plate) rather than modifying the entire structure. This segmentation approach adds complexity only where necessary to intercept binder redundancy, maintaining simplicity in other areas while achieving reliable ink ejection uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dummy passages are integrated into the existing multi-plate structure of the passage unit, serving multiple functions: they guide binder redundancy away from critical areas, maintain structural integrity through the stacking arrangement, and work cooperatively with the actual ink passages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively restrains redundant binder from entering pressure chambers or the actuator unit's surface, enhancing the uniformity of ink ejection and improving the overall performance and recording quality of the inkjet head.

Implementation Method 1

the redundancy of binder material can move into ink passages and pressure chambers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS8632170B2Liquid ejecting head
Publication Date: 2014.01.21 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US8632170B2 patent drawing
  • US8632170B2 patent drawing
  • US8632170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid ejecting head according to the present invention comprises a passage unit and an actuator unit. The passage unit includes a first opening and a plurality of second openings. One end of a dummy passage extends from and is connected to one or more third openings formed within a fix area of the actuator unit on a surface of a first plate, and an other end of the dummy passage is connected to one or more fourth openings formed on a surface of any of plates, via a space formed in a plate other than the first plate. The dummy passage is opened to the atmosphere through the one or more fourth openings.