Liquid Supply Member Sealing Structure Against Ink Ingress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge heads and supply members in inkjet printers are prone to ink ingress, leading to potential short circuits and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

The liquid supply member is designed with a dam and joint configuration that seals the interface between two members, preventing ink ingress and enhancing reliability by reducing the likelihood of short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a channel is formed between two members by welding or joining, then the liquid supply member can supply liquid effectively, but ink may ingress through the joint interface causing short circuits and reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidink ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply member is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, third member) with distinct functions. The channel is formed between the first and second members, while the third member provides sealing functionality with the dam structure, segmenting the sealing function from the channel formation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dam acts as an intermediary barrier between the opening and the outside environment. It is positioned at the third member to prevent ink from entering through the joint interface, mediating between the liquid supply function and the sealing requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the joint interface is sealed to prevent ink ingress, then reliability improves, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint and dam are integrated into a unified structure at the interface between members. The dam is formed as part of the third member that joins to the first and second members, combining the sealing function with the structural connection rather than adding a separate sealing component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dam functions as a thin barrier structure within the third member that provides effective sealing against ink ingress. This thin film-like structure prevents ink penetration without requiring bulky sealing mechanisms, maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20260034790A1Liquid supply member, liquid discharge head, and recording device

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A liquid supply member includes a first member, a second member, a channel, a joint, an opening, and a dam. The channel is located between the first member and the second member. The joint is located at an interface between the first member and the second member and surrounds the channel. The opening communicates with an inside of the liquid supply member. The dam is located between the opening and the outside.