Liquid Ejecting Unit Profile Reduction via Nested Flow Channel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in reducing their profile height due to the configuration of the flow channel for supplying liquid to the ejecting head, which makes it difficult to miniaturize the device without compromising the ejection performance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a support body with a concave portion that accommodates the flow channel, allowing it to be positioned inside the support body, overlapping with it, thereby reducing the overall height and thickness, while maintaining rigidity and minimizing interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the flow channel is installed above a flat plate form support body, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the profile height cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel portion is nested inside the concave portion of the support body, with the flow channel positioned on the inner side of the concave portion. This nesting arrangement allows the flow channel to be accommodated within the support body's recessed area, reducing the overall profile height while maintaining structural integrity and supporting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body transitions from a flat plate form structure to a three-dimensional structure with a concave portion recessed in the first direction. This dimensional change creates an internal cavity that accommodates the flow channel, enabling profile reduction by utilizing the vertical dimension rather than extending horizontally.
2Length of moving object
If the flow channel portion is positioned on the inner side of the concave portion, then the profile is reduced, but the support body must be made more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The concave portion is formed as a recessed cavity within the support body, creating a nested configuration where the flow channel portion fits inside. This nesting approach reduces the external height dimension while the internal geometry of the concave portion provides the necessary support surfaces and positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body maintains a relatively simple overall form, but locally incorporates a concave portion with specific geometric features to accommodate the flow channel. This localized complexity is concentrated only where needed for profile reduction, while the rest of the support body remains simple and easy to manufacture.
3Length of moving object
If the flow channel portion is exposed from the opening, then the thickness is reduced, but the connection portions must be carefully positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel portion is nested within the concave portion and selectively exposed through an opening. The connection portions are positioned to connect the flow channel portion to the support body at locations that ensure adequate thickness for rigidity while minimizing the distance to other components. This nested arrangement with controlled exposure allows thickness reduction without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the support body is strategically positioned to expose only the necessary portion of the flow channel, creating a localized feature that reduces thickness where needed. The connection portions are similarly positioned at specific locations that balance rigidity requirements with minimal interference to other elements, concentrating manufacturing precision requirements only at critical connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting unit includes a flow channel portion that includes a flow channel through which a liquid passes, a liquid ejecting head that is stacked on the flow channel portion in a first direction and ejects the liquid, which passes through the flow channel, from a nozzle, and a support body that supports the flow channel portion, and a concave portion that is recessed in the first direction and accommodates at least a portion of the flow channel portion is formed in the support body.