Liquid Ejecting Head Flow Passage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting heads face performance issues due to obstruction or stagnation in liquid flow within the flow passages, leading to inadequate ink ejection from nozzles, particularly when the ink viscosity increases due to evaporation, causing a decrease in ejection performance.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting head design includes first and second pressure compartments with corresponding communication passages that intersect and converge to form a fifth communication passage with a shorter width and depth, reducing the duration of ink stay and minimizing heat dissipation, thereby maintaining ink viscosity and enhancing ejection performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flow passage is extended to connect pressure compartments and nozzles, then liquid can be supplied to nozzles, but liquid collision and flow obstruction occur reducing ejection performance
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is divided into multiple segments (first flow passage, second flow passage, third flow passage) with different orientations. Liquid flows through these segmented passages in sequence, which breaks the direct collision path while maintaining supply functionality to the nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage transitions from a single linear path to a multi-dimensional path by changing orientation directions (first direction, second direction, third direction). This dimensional change allows liquid to reach the nozzle while avoiding direct collision that would occur in a straight extended passage.
2Productivity
If ink remains in flow passage for extended period, then complete liquid supply is achieved, but heat dissipation increases causing viscosity changes and performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage design enables liquid to move quickly through the system by providing direct connected paths (first, second, and third flow passages) that minimize residence time. The multi-directional layout allows liquid to rush through the necessary path without unnecessary delays, reducing heat dissipation and viscosity changes.
3Reliability
If flow passage width and depth are reduced, then liquid collision is minimized, but flow obstruction may increase
Solution Approach 1:
When flow passage width or depth is reduced in one dimension, the passage extends in other dimensions (different spatial directions). This dimensional redistribution maintains adequate flow cross-section while minimizing liquid collision, as the passage navigates through three-dimensional space rather than simply reducing size in one direction.
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 mitigates ink flow obstruction, maintains ink viscosity, and improves ejection performance by ensuring efficient ink transfer and reducing the risk of decreased performance due to viscosity changes caused by heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element configured to apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes a first pressure compartment extending in a first direction; a second pressure compartment extending in the first direction; a first communication passage continuous from the first pressure compartment and extending in the first direction; a second communication passage continuous to the second pressure compartment and extending in the first direction; a third communication passage continuous from the first communication passage and extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a fourth communication passage continuous to the second communication passage and extending in the second direction; a fifth communication passage continuous from the third communication passage and continuous to the fourth communication passage and extending in the first direction; and a nozzle provided on the fifth communication passage.