Liquid Ejection Head for Uniform Small-Droplet Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in uniformly applying small amounts of liquid to a medium, such as fabric, particularly when using single-fluid nozzles, and tend to generate excessive mist when using two-fluid nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a conveyor, carriage, and a head featuring at least one nozzle that converts a continuous liquid flow into droplets, allowing precise application by collision with the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-fluid nozzle is used to eject liquid, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to uniformly eject small amounts of liquid and form small droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier gas (intermediary substance) that mixes with the liquid to form a two-fluid mixture. This intermediary enables the liquid to be ejected as uniform small droplets by the gas flow, solving the problem of non-uniform ejection while keeping the nozzle structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and flow parameters by introducing a gas phase alongside the liquid phase. This parameter change from single-phase to two-phase flow enables better control over droplet size and ejection uniformity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ejection precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If a two-fluid nozzle is used to eject liquid, then small droplets can be formed, but a large amount of mist is generated consuming excessive liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the gas-to-liquid ratio and flow parameters to achieve efficient droplet formation without excessive atomization. By carefully controlling the parameters of the two-fluid system, it forms the desired small droplets while minimizing mist generation and liquid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical atomization with a gas-assisted ejection mechanism. The carrier gas provides the force needed to break up the liquid into droplets, reducing the need for high-pressure mechanical systems that generate excessive mist and liquid loss.
3Ease of operation
If liquid is ejected in continuous flow, then the ejection process is simple, but it is difficult to achieve high energy and accuracy in application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the continuous liquid flow into discrete droplets by introducing a gas phase. This parameter change from continuous to discontinuous flow enables the liquid to be applied with higher energy and precision, as the droplets can be controlled individually while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Enables uniform application of small amounts of liquid with high energy and accuracy, reducing mist generation and improving ejection precision.
Implementation Method 1
the head ejects the liquid in a continuous flow, converts the continuous flow into droplets
Implementation Method 2
causes the continuous flow to collide with the medium in a form of droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a conveyer configured to convey a medium in a conveyance direction; a carriage configured to move in a reciprocating direction intersecting the conveyance direction at a position facing the medium conveyed in the conveyance direction; and a head provided on the carriage and including at least one nozzle configured to eject liquid to the medium, in which the head ejects the liquid in a continuous flow, converts the continuous flow into a plurality of droplets and causes the a plurality of droplets to collide with the medium.