Liquid Ejecting Head Flow Path Bypass for Viscosity Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting heads face inefficiencies in collecting and circulating liquid near nozzles, leading to issues like increased viscosity and component settling, which can cause discharging faults and instability in inkjet recording systems.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design featuring a first and second common liquid chamber, a pressurization chamber, and strategically positioned flow paths that bypass the pressurization chamber, ensuring efficient ink circulation and replacement near the nozzles, reducing retention areas and flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is circulated through a branched flow path near the nozzles, then viscosity increase is suppressed, but liquid collection efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid circulation system is segmented into multiple flow paths: a first flow path for primary circulation and a second flow path branching therefrom for additional circulation. This segmentation allows liquid to be collected and circulated through different routes, improving both collection efficiency and viscosity stability by ensuring thorough liquid replacement near the nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths are strategically configured with specific opening positions and orientations to create localized circulation patterns directly at the nozzle vicinity. The first and second openings are positioned to direct liquid flow precisely where needed, ensuring high collection efficiency and effective viscosity control in the critical nozzle region.
2Productivity
If flow paths are extended to improve liquid circulation, then liquid collection efficiency increases, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are configured to create preliminary circulation loops that collect liquid near the nozzles before it can dry or settle. By establishing this preliminary collection action, the system maintains liquid freshness and reduces the need for extended flow paths, thereby minimizing flow resistance while achieving effective liquid replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths utilize three-dimensional spatial arrangement with openings positioned at different locations and orientations. This dimensional configuration allows liquid circulation to occur in multiple directions and planes, improving collection efficiency without requiring excessively long flow paths, thus reducing flow resistance.
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 ink flow speed and stability, preventing retention and viscosity increases, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of inkjet recording by ensuring continuous ink replacement and reducing discharging faults.
Implementation Method 1
a third flow path that bypasses the pressurization chamber and leads to the first flow path from the first common liquid chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first opening, which is a coupling port between the third flow path and the first flow path, and a second opening, which is a coupling port between the second flow path and the first flow path, are positioned in the first flow path in the first direction close to the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A first opening being a coupling port between the third flow path and the first flow path and a second opening being a coupling port between the second flow path and the first flow path are positioned toward the +Z direction, which is the first direction, of the first flow path.