Liquid Ejecting Head Non-Overlapping Upstream Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet type recording heads face challenges in preventing cross talk and maintaining nozzle density while avoiding increases in flow path substrate size and reductions in partition wall rigidity, due to air bubbles and flow path resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a liquid ejecting head with first and second individual flow paths, first and second common liquid chambers, and non-overlapping upstream communication paths, which allows for staggered arrangement of pressure chambers and nozzles to prevent cross talk and maintain rigidity, using a piezoelectric actuator to induce pressure changes and control ink flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the flow path is enlarged to reduce flow path resistance and inertance, then the flow efficiency is improved, but the size of the flow path substrate increases and the rigidity of the partition wall decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is configured to extend in the thickness direction (third direction) of the flow path substrate, utilizing the Z-axis dimension rather than only the planar X-Y directions. This allows the flow path to achieve sufficient cross-sectional area for reduced resistance while maintaining a compact substrate footprint. The upstream communication path extends from the nozzle in the thickness direction to communicate with the common liquid chamber, effectively using vertical space to resolve the size-efficiency contradiction.
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the flow path is enlarged to reduce flow path resistance and inertance, then the flow efficiency is improved, but the rigidity of the partition wall between flow paths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct functional sections: the upstream communication path extending from the nozzle, the pressure chamber, and the downstream flow path to the common liquid chamber. The upstream communication path has a specific cross-sectional area optimized for reducing inertance and resistance, while partition walls are strategically positioned to maintain rigidity. This segmentation allows different portions of the flow path to have optimized cross-sectional areas without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are arranged densely to maintain high resolution, then the nozzle density is improved, but cross talk between adjacent nozzles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream communication path extends in the thickness direction (third direction) perpendicular to the nozzle arrangement plane. This vertical extension creates physical separation between adjacent flow paths in the Z-axis dimension, preventing pressure waves from one nozzle from interfering with adjacent nozzles in the X-Y plane. This allows dense nozzle arrangement while maintaining isolation through the third dimension.
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 effectively prevents cross talk, maintains high nozzle density, and reduces flow path resistance, ensuring stable and efficient ink discharge without increasing the size of the flow path substrate or reducing the rigidity of the partition walls.
Implementation Method 1
an energy generating element such as a piezoelectric actuator that induces a change in the pressure of the ink in the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes first and second individual flow paths arranged side by side along a first direction; a first nozzle communicating with the first individual flow path; a second nozzle communicating with the second individual flow path; and a common liquid chamber coupled to the first and second individual flow paths. The first and second nozzles have openings in a nozzle surface having a second direction as a normal direction. The first individual flow path has a first upstream communication path extending between the first nozzle and the common liquid chamber along the second direction. The second individual flow path has a second upstream communication path extending between the second nozzle and the common liquid chamber along the second direction. The first upstream communication path and the second upstream communication path have parts which do not overlap each other when seen along the first direction.