Liquid Ejecting Head Joining Layout to Reduce Pressure Wave Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting heads with four pressure chambers have pressure waves that are excessively attenuated due to the flow paths joining near the nozzles, leading to reduced ejection efficiency and potential issues with refilling and air bubbles.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting head design includes a configuration where pressure waves from adjacent pressure chambers join closer to the ends of the chambers rather than near the nozzle, with communication flow paths and joining positions optimized to reduce attenuation and increase efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flow paths from four pressure chambers join near the nozzle, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but pressure waves are excessively attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into two distinct sections: a first flow path from each pressure chamber to a joining position, and a second flow path from the joining position to the nozzle. This segmentation allows the joining position to be optimally positioned closer to the pressure chambers rather than near the nozzle, reducing pressure wave attenuation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A joining position is introduced as an intermediary element between the pressure chambers and the nozzle. This joining position serves as a common point where flow paths from multiple pressure chambers converge, allowing pressure waves to combine before traveling through the remaining flow path to the nozzle, thereby reducing overall attenuation
2Device complexity
If flow paths join near the nozzle, then the device complexity is reduced, but ejection efficiency decreases due to pressure wave attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into sequential segments with distinct functions: pressure chamber to joining position, and joining position to nozzle. This segmentation enables optimization of each segment independently, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while significantly improving ejection efficiency through reduced pressure wave attenuation
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path configuration transitions from a direct single-segment approach to a two-segment approach with an intermediate joining position. This dimensional change in the flow path architecture allows pressure waves to combine at the joining position before traversing the remaining distance to the nozzle, thereby improving ejection efficiency without substantially increasing device complexity
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 prevents excessive attenuation of pressure waves, reduces flow path resistance, and enhances ejection efficiency, particularly with high-viscosity inks, while minimizing issues with refilling and air bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure wave transmitted from the first pressure chamber to the nozzle by the first driving element; a second pressure wave transmitted from the second pressure chamber to the nozzle by the second driving element
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes: a nozzle; first to fourth pressure chambers; a communication flow path communicating between the nozzle and the first to fourth pressure chambers; first to fourth driving elements; a first common liquid chamber communicating with the first and the second pressure chambers; and a second common liquid chamber communicating with the third and the fourth pressure chambers. A first joining position from the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to the nozzle is closer to end portions of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber on a nozzle side than to the nozzle, and a second joining position from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber to the nozzle is closer to end portions of the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber on the nozzle side than to the nozzle.