Liquid Ejection Device Rib Spacing for Uniform Ink Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection devices, ink flow speed variations at the central and end portions of the manifold lead to inconsistent ink supply among nozzles, affecting refill performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a liquid supply member with a liquid supply channel featuring ribs and sub-outlets, where the distance and length of these features are strategically arranged to reduce flow speed variations and ensure uniform ink distribution across nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If liquid flows through a conventional manifold, then liquid supply to nozzles is provided, but liquid flow speed varies at central and end portions causing inconsistent ink supply among nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ribs with non-uniform spacing and sub-outlets with varying lengths at different positions along the liquid supply channel. Specifically, the first sub-outlet has a different length than the second sub-outlet, and ribs are positioned at different intervals to create localized flow resistance variations. This local quality modification ensures that liquid flow speed is balanced across the manifold, making ink supply amounts consistent among all nozzles while improving refill performance reliability.
2Speed
If liquid flow speed increases at the central portion of the manifold, then liquid supply to central nozzles is improved, but liquid flow speed decreases at end portions causing supply variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the liquid supply channel by introducing ribs with varying spacing and sub-outlets with different lengths. The first sub-outlet has a specific length while the second sub-outlet has a different length, and ribs are positioned at non-uniform intervals. These parameter changes create differential flow resistance that balances the liquid flow speed between central and end portions, ensuring consistent liquid supply amounts across all nozzles.
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 reduces liquid supply variation and pressure fluctuations, ensuring consistent ink supply and improved refill performance among nozzles, thereby enhancing the reliability of the liquid ejection process.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid supply member includes a plurality of ribs located within the liquid supply channel. The plurality of ribs are disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction. A distance from the first rib to the third rib in the longitudinal direction is smaller than a distance from the first rib to the second rib in the longitudinal direction.
Implementation Method 2
The outlet is divided into a plurality of sub-outlets in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of sub-outlets includes a first sub-outlet and a second sub-outlet. A distance from an inlet of the liquid supply channel to the first sub-outlet in the longitudinal direction is smaller than a distance from the inlet to the second sub-outlet in the longitudinal direction. A length of the first sub-outlet in the longitudinal direction is smaller than a length of the second sub-outlet in the longitudinal direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection device is disclosed. One device includes a liquid supply member defining a liquid supply channel that is in communication with a common liquid chamber via an outlet of the liquid supply channel. The outlet and the common liquid chamber extend along a longitudinal direction respectively. The liquid supply member includes a plurality of ribs located within the liquid supply channel, the plurality of ribs are disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of ribs includes a first rib, a second rib and a third rib. A distance from the first rib to the third rib in the longitudinal direction is smaller than a distance from the first rib to the second rib in the longitudinal direction.