Liquid ejection module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection modules face challenges in achieving high resolution ejection openings while maintaining efficient liquid circulation and minimizing wiring resistance due to restrictive arrangements and long wiring paths.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection module design with ejection openings, energy generating elements, and liquid delivery mechanisms stacked in a vertical alignment, utilizing penetrating flow paths and strategic wiring routing between adjacent flow paths to maintain high resolution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the liquid delivery mechanism is arranged in the ejection opening array to achieve high resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the liquid delivery mechanism must be downsized which decreases circulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The liquid delivery mechanism is placed on a second substrate that is stacked vertically with the first substrate containing the ejection openings. This vertical separation allows the liquid delivery mechanism to maintain a larger size for efficient circulation while the ejection openings achieve high resolution in the horizontal plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the liquid ejection system into functionally independent modules arranged in separate layers: the ejection opening array on the first substrate and the liquid delivery mechanism on the second substrate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the ejection openings for high resolution and the liquid delivery mechanism for high circulation efficiency - without mutual constraint.
2Device complexity
If liquid is supplied from a common supply flow path to multiple pressure chambers, then the liquid delivery is simplified, but the wiring must detour around the flow paths which increases resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the wiring conflict by moving the liquid delivery mechanism to a vertically stacked second substrate. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension allows electric wiring to be routed in the horizontal dimension between adjacent penetrating flow paths without interfering with the liquid flow paths, thereby minimizing wiring resistance while maintaining simplified liquid delivery structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetrating flow paths serve as spatial intermediaries that separate the liquid delivery function from the electrical wiring. By positioning the liquid delivery mechanism on the second substrate and routing wiring between the penetrating flow paths on the first substrate, the patent creates independent channels for liquid and electricity that do not interfere with each other.
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
The design allows for high-resolution ejection openings without increasing wiring resistance and maintains efficient liquid circulation, enhancing the module's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an energy generating element provided in a first substrate forming a part of the pressure chamber at a position facing the ejection opening and configured to provide liquid in the pressure chamber with energy for ejection
Implementation Method 2
a liquid delivery mechanism provided in the liquid delivery flow path and configured to provide liquid with energy for supplying liquid from the liquid delivery flow path to the pressure chamber through the penetrating flow path
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a liquid ejection module capable of arranging ejection openings for a high resolution and suppressing an increase in wiring resistance without decreasing liquid circulation efficiency, a liquid delivery mechanism is arranged below an energy generating element, a plurality of penetrating flow paths are provided to correspond to a plurality of pressure chambers, respectively, and electric wiring is routed between adjacent penetrating flow paths.