Liquid Ejection Flow Path Using Ultrasonic Impurity Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejection devices with mesh-type filters face issues of clogging, requiring time-consuming and costly filter replacements due to the difficulty in maintaining fluid flow.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection device incorporating an ultrasonic generator with an ultrasonic element that generates a gradient of acoustic radiation force, directing foreign matter and air bubbles into a branch flow path, while allowing the liquid to flow through a laminar path, using a control device to manage the acoustic radiation force based on the type of liquid and foreign matter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mesh-type filter is provided in the liquid supply flow path, then foreign matter can be removed from the liquid, but the filter becomes clogged and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter removal capabilityVSAvoidfilter replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical mesh-type filter with an ultrasonic generator that uses acoustic radiation force to remove foreign matter. The ultrasonic waves generate a gradient of acoustic radiation force that directs foreign matter toward the branch flow path, eliminating the need for physical filtration and subsequent filter replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the foreign matter removal function from the main liquid supply flow path by introducing a branch flow path. The ultrasonic generator creates acoustic radiation force that separates foreign matter from the liquid flow, directing it into the branch path while allowing clean liquid to continue to the ejection head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a mesh-type filter is provided in the liquid supply flow path, then foreign matter can be removed from the liquid, but filter replacement incurs additional costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter removal capabilityVSAvoidfilter replacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If ultrasonic waves are transmitted to remove foreign matter, then foreign matter can be separated without clogging, but the acoustic radiation force may affect the liquid flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter separation capabilityVSAvoidliquid flow stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a gradient of acoustic radiation force that is spatially varying within the liquid supply flow path. The ultrasonic generator is positioned and configured to generate maximum acoustic radiation force near the branch flow path connection, effectively directing foreign matter into the branch while maintaining normal liquid flow to the ejection head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the liquid flow into two paths: a main liquid supply flow path that continues to the ejection head with minimal disturbance, and a branch flow path that receives foreign matter directed by the ultrasonic-generated acoustic radiation force. This segmentation allows foreign matter removal without disrupting the primary liquid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively removes foreign matter and air bubbles without clogging, reducing maintenance efforts and costs by capturing impurities in a branch flow path, ensuring smooth operation and efficient liquid circulation.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic generator (72) provided with an ultrasonic element (73) that transmits ultrasonic waves in a first direction that intersects with a flow direction of the liquid in the liquid supply flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation force: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentUS20250367938A1Liquid Ejection Device

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejection device including an ejection head that ejects a liquid, a liquid supply flow path that supplies the liquid to the ejection head, an ultrasonic generator provided with an ultrasonic element that transmits ultrasonic waves in a first direction that intersects with a flow direction of the liquid in the liquid supply flow path, and a branch flow path that branches in a second direction that intersects the flow direction and the first direction from a position of the liquid supply flow path where the ultrasonic waves are transmitted, wherein the ultrasonic generator that generates a gradient of acoustic radiation force in which the acoustic radiation force increases from the liquid supply flow path toward the branch flow path.