Liquid Ejection Device Intersecting Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection devices, such as inkjet printers, face complexity in adjusting the distance from the ejection nozzle to the medium, making it difficult to achieve a preferable interval for effective liquid ejection, especially when simply illuminating the object.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection device is designed with an ejecting unit that emits light through intersecting optical paths, allowing for easy alignment of the ejection nozzle with the object by adjusting the intersection position of the light paths, which can be controlled automatically or manually, ensuring a preferable interval is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a mechanism for adjusting the distance from the ejection nozzle to the medium is provided, then the preferable interval can be achieved, but the device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical path intersection as an intermediary indicator to represent the optimal ejection position. Instead of directly adjusting the physical distance between nozzle and medium, the system uses light path intersection points as visual guides, simplifying the adjustment mechanism while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distance adjustment mechanisms with an optical indication system. By using light paths that intersect at the optimal ejection position, the system substitutes mechanical measurement and adjustment with optical visualization, reducing mechanical complexity.
2Device complexity
If the object is simply illuminated to indicate position, then the device structure remains simple, but it is difficult to grasp the preferable interval from the ejecting unit to the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination into multiple optical paths (first optical path and second optical path) that intersect at specific positions. This segmentation of light paths creates distinct visual indicators for different distance intervals, providing accurate position information while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of light path intersection to indicate position. Instead of using a single illumination source, the system uses intersecting optical paths where the intersection point itself serves as the position indicator, adding spatial dimensionality to the information display.
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 simplifies the alignment process, enabling the liquid ejection device to be positioned optimally with respect to the object, ensuring efficient ejection and effective operation across various ejection states and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit configured to emit light in a first optical path and a second optical path which are arranged such that the first optical path and the second optical path intersect on an extension line in the first direction from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection device includes: an ejecting unit configured to eject a liquid from a nozzle in a first direction; and a light source unit configured to emit light in a first optical path and a second optical path which are arranged such that the first optical path and the second optical path intersect on an extension line in the first direction from the nozzle. With the liquid ejection device having such a configuration, it becomes easy to eject the liquid at a position having a preferable interval with respect to an object.