Liquid Discharge Head Layout for Pressure Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge heads suffer from pressure vibrations propagating between individual liquid chambers and increased fluid resistance in the common liquid chamber, leading to unsatisfactory liquid discharge due to supply shortages and variations in discharge properties.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge head design with a vibration attenuator positioned close to the individual liquid chambers in the common liquid chamber, featuring through holes to form channels, which attenuates pressure vibrations and prevents fluid resistance from increasing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the distance between the individual liquid chamber and the vibration attenuator is long, then the pressure vibration in the common liquid chamber can be attenuated, but the pressure vibration in the individual liquid chamber is not sufficiently attenuated and may propagate to adjacent individual liquid chambers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure vibration attenuationVSAvoiddistance between individual liquid chamber and vibration attenuator
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the common liquid chamber into multiple sections by introducing partition walls, creating separate regions (first common liquid chamber section and second common liquid chamber section) with different functions. The vibration attenuator is placed in the first section close to individual liquid chambers for effective vibration attenuation, while the second section maintains fluid flow paths. This segmentation allows the vibration attenuator to be positioned optimally without compromising overall fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the vibration attenuator and the rest of the common liquid chamber. It isolates the vibration attenuation function from the fluid flow function, allowing the vibration attenuator to be positioned close to individual liquid chambers while maintaining adequate fluid flow paths through the second common liquid chamber section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the common liquid chamber is low in height and the distance between the individual liquid chamber and the vibration attenuator is short, then the pressure vibration can be attenuated effectively, but the fluid resistance of the common liquid chamber increases causing supply shortage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure vibration attenuationVSAvoidliquid discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The common liquid chamber is segmented into two distinct sections: the first section containing the vibration attenuator close to individual liquid chambers for effective vibration attenuation, and the second section providing extended fluid flow paths. This segmentation allows the chamber to maintain low height for vibration attenuation while the second section compensates for fluid flow requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the fluid flow path in a horizontal direction through the second common liquid chamber section, compensating for the reduced vertical height. This dimensional transition allows the chamber to maintain adequate fluid flow capacity while keeping the overall height low for effective vibration attenuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stress or pressure

If the fluid resistance of the common liquid chamber is large, then the pressure difference between respective meniscuses is generated, but the liquid discharge head cannot discharge liquid satisfactorily due to supply shortage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure difference between meniscusesVSAvoidliquid discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The common liquid chamber is divided into two sections with different functions: the first section optimizes vibration attenuation by positioning the vibration attenuator close to individual liquid chambers, while the second section maintains low fluid resistance through extended flow paths. This segmentation prevents excessive pressure differences while ensuring adequate liquid supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the common liquid chamber by introducing partition walls and creating distinct sections with different cross-sectional areas and flow path lengths. This parameter optimization balances the pressure difference requirement for vibration attenuation with the fluid flow requirement for satisfactory liquid discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents pressure vibrations from propagating between individual liquid chambers and maintains optimal fluid resistance, ensuring stable and satisfactory liquid discharge.

Implementation Method 1

a thin portion 85a that is deformable in a liquid discharge direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a vibration attenuator 81... to attenuate pressure vibration in the common liquid chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration attenuation: Damping

Implementation Method 3

The vibration attenuator has a through hole through which the liquid flows in the common liquid chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4403366B1Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4403366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4403366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4403366B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A liquid discharge head (100) includes a nozzle plate (1), a channel substrate (2), a frame (20), and a vibration attenuator (81). The nozzle plate (1) has multiple nozzles (4) from which a liquid is discharged in a liquid discharge direction. The channel substrate (2) has multiple individual liquid chambers (15) communicating with the multiple nozzles (4), respectively. The frame (20) has a first end adjacent to the channel substrate (2), a second end opposite the first end, and a common liquid chamber (10, 40) between the first end and the second end and communicating with the multiple individual liquid chambers (15). The vibration attenuator (81) is disposed between the first end and the second end in the common liquid chamber (10, 40). The vibration attenuator (81) has a through hole (84) through which the liquid flows in the common liquid chamber (10, 40).