Liquid Ejection Head Stacked Common Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads face challenges in increasing the volume of common channels without expanding in size, particularly in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal arrangement of individual channels.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first common channel that overlaps with pressure chambers in the vertical direction, while a second common channel, located below, does not overlap, allowing for increased volume without increasing the head's size in the second direction by optimizing the arrangement of channels and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the volumes of common channels are increased to reduce pressure losses, then the liquid ejection head increases its size in the second direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where the first common channel is positioned above the second common channel in the vertical direction. This vertical stacking allows both channels to occupy the same footprint area while maintaining distinct functional zones, effectively increasing common channel volume without expanding the head's width or length in the second direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the first common channel is positioned directly above the second common channel, with both channels overlapping in the vertical direction. This nesting allows the channels to share the same horizontal space while maintaining separate flow paths, maximizing space utilization and increasing effective channel volume without increasing external dimensions.
2Productivity
If the volumes of common channels are increased to improve ink circulation, then the liquid ejection head increases its size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to stack common channels, allowing multiple channels to coexist within the same horizontal footprint. This three-dimensional arrangement increases the total volume available for ink circulation without proportionally increasing the overall head volume, thereby improving circulation efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the common channel function into multiple separate channels (first common channel and second common channel) that operate in parallel. This segmentation allows for increased total channel volume and improved ink circulation capacity while distributing the space requirements vertically rather than requiring a single large horizontal space.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head includes first individual channels arranged in a first direction, a first common channel extending in the first direction and communicating with the first individual channels, and a second common channel located below the first common channel and extending in the first direction. The second common channel communicates with the first individual channels. Each of the first individual channels includes one of first nozzles, and one of first pressure chambers that communicate with the respective first nozzles and are located above the first nozzles. The first common channel and the second common channel overlap, in a vertical direction, with each other at a position above the first pressure chambers. The first common channel overlaps, in the vertical direction, with the first pressure chambers. The second common channel does not overlap, in the vertical direction, with the first pressure chambers.