Liquid Ejection Head With Hermetic Dummy Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads suffer from non-uniform density due to mutual interference between pressurization portions, leading to structural crosstalk and inefficiencies in liquid droplet ejection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of dummy pressurization chambers and communication paths that are hermetically closed, along with a channel member and actuator substrate design, to stabilize the pressure distribution and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dummy pressurization chambers are disposed on both sides with communication paths open to the atmosphere (prior art), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ejection characteristics become non-uniform due to structural crosstalk and pressure distribution instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressurization system into functional pressurization chambers (for ejection) and dummy pressurization chambers (for stability). The dummy chambers are isolated from the atmosphere and connected only to each other through communication paths, creating a separate stabilization system that prevents interference with the ejection function while maintaining uniform pressure distribution across all chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy pressurization chambers act as intermediary elements that mediate between the actuator substrate and the functional pressurization chambers. By providing a hermetically closed space with communication paths between dummy chambers, they serve as a buffer that stabilizes pressure distribution and eliminates structural crosstalk affecting the ejection characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If dummy pressurization chambers are hermetically closed and connected via communication paths (present invention), then uniformity of ejection characteristics is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dummy pressurization chambers into the same channel member structure as the functional pressurization chambers, using shared walls and integrated communication paths. This combining approach reduces the need for separate components and assembly steps, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the hermetically closed stabilization system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy pressurization chambers serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, stabilize pressure distribution, eliminate structural crosstalk, and maintain hermetic sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, offsetting the complexity increase with functional consolidation.
3Productivity
If pressurization chambers are arranged in a predetermined region only (functional chambers), then the ejection function is efficient, but the pressure distribution becomes unstable due to mutual interference between pressurization portions
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy pressurization chambers act as counterweights to the functional pressurization chambers, providing opposing structural support that balances the pressure distribution. By positioning dummy chambers adjacent to functional chambers and connecting them through communication paths, the system counteracts mutual interference and stabilizes the overall pressure field without affecting ejection efficiency.
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
Enhances uniformity in ejection characteristics across all ejection elements, reducing structural crosstalk and improving printing quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
liquid droplets are ejected from the plurality of ejection holes when pressure is applied to the inside of the plurality of pressurization chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head having a channel member which includes an ejection hole surface and a pressurization chamber surface opposite thereto. An actuator substrate overlaps the pressurization chamber surface. The channel member includes a plurality of ejection holes opening in the ejection hole surface, a plurality of pressurization chambers individually communicating with the plurality of ejection holes and arranged in plan view of the pressurization chamber surface, and a plurality of dummy pressurization chambers positioned outside of the predetermined region in plan view of the pressurization chamber surface. The actuator substrate includes a plurality of pressurization portions that individually pressurize the pressurization chambers, and a plurality of dummy pressurization portions that individually pressurize the dummy pressurization chambers. The dummy pressurization chambers communicate with each other via a plurality of communication paths. A closed space including the plurality of dummy pressurization chambers and the plurality of communication paths is hermetically closed.