Manifold Segmentation for Multi-Liquid Discharge Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid discharge heads require multiple units to handle different kinds of liquids, leading to increased size and complexity, and existing switching mechanisms are slow and prone to ink residue and color mixing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge head design featuring a manifold with upstream and downstream portions that allows for efficient switching of multiple liquids without the need for multiple heads or complex switching mechanisms, enabling quick discharge of various liquids with reduced residual ink and color mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquid discharge heads are provided to handle different kinds of liquids, then the ability to discharge multiple liquids is improved, but the size of the discharge head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid discharge head is segmented into multiple independent liquid supply systems, each with its own inlet part, reservoir, and channel. This allows each liquid to be supplied through separate pathways, enabling multiple liquid discharge from a single head without requiring multiple complete head assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
A single liquid discharge head is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple inlet parts and reservoirs that can handle different kinds of liquids. The discharge nozzles are configured to discharge multiple liquids in various patterns, making the head universal for handling diverse liquid types without needing separate heads for each liquid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switching mechanisms are added to enable multiple liquids discharge, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system incorporates movable partitions within the reservoir that can be dynamically adjusted to control liquid flow. These partitions can be moved to different positions to switch between different liquid supply paths, enabling versatile liquid discharge without complex external switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid pressure itself and the movable partition design to automatically control flow switching. When a specific liquid is supplied, the pressure differential and partition positioning automatically direct the liquid through the appropriate channel, eliminating the need for complex external switching mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switching mechanisms are used for liquid switching, then multiple liquids can be discharged, but the switching speed is slow and ink residue remains
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures separate liquid supply channels and reservoirs for different liquids, with movable partitions already in position. When switching between liquids is needed, only the partition needs to be moved a short distance, rather than draining and refilling entire channels. This preliminary arrangement of separate pathways enables rapid switching with minimal residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the switching function from complex mechanical valves and implements it through simple movable partitions within the reservoir. This extracted, simplified switching mechanism reduces switching time and minimizes liquid residue by isolating liquid pathways more effectively.
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 the quick and efficient discharge of multiple liquids without increasing the size of the discharge head, reducing residual ink and minimizing color mixing areas, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing the time required for liquid switching.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element provided in each of the plurality of pressure chambers; wherein the piezoelectric element changes shape when voltage is applied, and discharge pressure is applied to the liquid in the pressure chamber based on the shape change of the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid discharge head, including: a plurality of inlet parts provided corresponding to a plurality of kinds of liquids; a plurality of pressure chambers in which discharge pressure is applied to the liquids; a plurality of individual outlet parts through which the liquids are supplied to the plurality of pressure chambers; and a manifold which communicates with the plurality of inlet parts, and through which the liquids from the plurality of inlet parts are supplied to the plurality of individual outlet parts. The manifold includes: a plurality of upstream-side portions in each of which a channel corresponding to one of the plurality of inlet parts is defined, and a downstream-side portion which communicates with the plurality of upstream-side portions, and in which a channel communicating with the plurality of individual outlet parts is defined.