Liquid Ejecting Head Adjustable Level Difference Nozzle Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink jet recording heads face challenges in maintaining stable ink droplet discharge due to ink adherence and solidification near nozzle openings, leading to unstable discharge directions and poor discharging, which is exacerbated by the level difference between the nozzle plate and protective member, causing potential jamming and deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design that allows adjustable height between the nozzle plate and protective member by varying the attachment positions of these components without altering their thicknesses, using a flow path member with a communicating plate and spacer to separate the nozzle opening from the pressure generating chamber, enabling flexible adjustment of the level difference and reducing the nozzle plate area to minimize costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the nozzle plate and protective member are increased to ensure strength and shape, then the structural integrity is improved, but the level difference adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a flow path member as a separate component between the nozzle plate and protective member. This segments the structure into distinct functional layers: the nozzle plate for ink ejection, the flow path member for level difference adjustment, and the protective member for protection. Each component can be independently optimized for its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path member acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the nozzle plate and protective member. It provides the necessary level difference adjustment capability while allowing both the nozzle plate and protective member to maintain their required thicknesses for structural integrity. The flow path member absorbs the conflict between these requirements.
2Reliability
If the level difference between nozzle plate and protective member is increased to prevent ink adherence, then the discharge stability is improved, but the risk of ejecting target medium contacting the nozzle plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the level difference adjustable rather than fixed. The flow path member can be positioned at different locations along the flow path, allowing dynamic adjustment of the level difference between the nozzle plate and protective member. This enables optimization for different operating conditions and media types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of level difference to an adjustable variable. By varying the position of the flow path member, the level difference can be changed to match different requirements: larger differences for ink prevention and smaller differences for media contact prevention. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between discharge stability and media safety.
3Ease of manufacture
If the nozzle plate area is reduced to minimize costs, then the manufacturing cost is improved, but the discharge properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the functional requirements: the nozzle plate handles only the critical ink ejection function with minimal area, while the flow path member handles the level difference adjustment and the protective member handles protection. This segmentation allows the nozzle plate to be minimized in area without compromising overall discharge properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes a nozzle plate including a nozzle opening provided on a first surface of a flow path member with a flow path formed therein, and a protective member including a flexible portion that seals a portion of the flow path provided on the first surface of the flow path member. A position of a portion of the flow path member onto which the nozzle plate is attached and a position of a portion of the flow path member onto which the protective member is attached are different from one another in a discharge direction of a liquid.