Liquid Ejecting Head Nozzle Density Flow Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting heads face challenges in efficiently disposing a large number of nozzles at high density due to limitations in the efficient disposition of flow paths, including pressure chambers, which leads to issues with ejection characteristics and crosstalk between adjacent flow paths.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting head incorporates a configuration where individual flow paths are arranged in parallel with a common liquid chamber, featuring specific local and partial flow paths that do not overlap, allowing for optimized flow path resistance and reduced crosstalk, thereby improving ejection efficiency and nozzle density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of nozzles are disposed at high density, then nozzle density is improved, but flow path disposition efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangement of flow paths to three-dimensional spatial arrangement by allowing flow paths to extend in the thickness direction (Z-axis) and by overlapping flow paths from adjacent individual flow paths in the planar view. This enables higher nozzle density while maintaining flow path efficiency through vertical layering rather than horizontal crowding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by having flow paths from different individual flow paths (e.g., first and second individual flow paths) overlap and interleave in the thickness direction. The first local flow path and second local flow path are nested in different layers, with the first extending from the first nozzle toward the common liquid chamber and the second extending from the second nozzle, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If flow paths are arranged to overlap, then space utilization is improved, but crosstalk between adjacent flow paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves crosstalk issues by moving overlapping flow paths to different vertical layers in the thickness direction. Flow paths that would overlap in planar view are separated in the Z-axis dimension, allowing space utilization benefits of overlapping layouts while preventing harmful fluid interaction between adjacent nozzles through vertical stratification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow path system into distinct local flow paths (first local flow path, second local flow path, etc.) that are spatially separated in the thickness direction. Each local flow path is confined to its own layer, preventing crosstalk while maintaining overall compactness through the segmented multi-layer configuration.
3Productivity
If flow path resistance is reduced, then ejection efficiency is improved, but flow path configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces flow path resistance by extending flow paths in the thickness direction rather than increasing planar dimensions. This vertical extension allows shorter, more direct flow paths from nozzles to the common liquid chamber, reducing resistance and improving ejection efficiency without increasing overall device footprint or planar complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes flow path configuration locally by designing specific local flow paths (first local flow path, second local flow path) with tailored geometries that minimize resistance in critical regions. Each local flow path is configured with appropriate dimensions and routing to achieve optimal flow characteristics for its specific location and function.
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 configuration enhances the ejection efficiency by equalizing flow path resistances and reducing crosstalk, allowing for a higher nozzle density while maintaining efficient ink ejection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid from a nozzle communicating with a pressure chamber by varying a pressure of a liquid in the pressure chamber using a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head including: an individual flow path row in which a plurality of individual flow paths communicating with a nozzle that ejects a liquid in a first axis direction are arranged in parallel along a second axis orthogonal to a first axis, and a first common liquid chamber communicating with the plurality of individual flow paths, in which each of the plurality of individual flow paths has a pressure chamber that stores a liquid.