Meandering Liquid Flow Path for Thermal Management in Ink Jet Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face challenges in maintaining ink temperature within a desired range during ejection, leading to variations in ink viscosity, ejection amount, and ejection speed, which affect printing characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A liquid jet head with a head chip, manifold, and heating mechanism where the liquid flow path is meandering, allowing for enhanced heat transfer, and a drive board connected to the head chip for efficient heating, along with a corrosion-resistant coating on the manifold, and a flexible film member to absorb pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a linear liquid flow path is used from upstream end to downstream end, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat transfer area between liquid and manifold is insufficient, resulting in inadequate temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow path is configured to extend in a meandering manner rather than linearly, increasing the contact area between the liquid and the manifold for improved heat transfer while maintaining a simple overall structure
2Temperature
If a heater is used to heat the liquid, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive board generates heat during operation, and this heat is utilized to warm the liquid in the flow path, eliminating the need for a separate heater and reducing overall power consumption
3Temperature
If the heating mechanism is supported directly on the manifold, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the corrosion resistance of the manifold deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is introduced as an intermediary between the heating mechanism and the manifold, allowing heat transfer while preventing direct contact that would cause corrosion
4Temperature
If the liquid flow path is extended in a meandering manner, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The meandering flow path is designed with gradual curves rather than sharp bends, maximizing heat transfer area while minimizing flow resistance through smooth transitions
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
This configuration ensures consistent ink temperature, reducing variations in ejection amount and speed, thereby improving printing characteristics and durability while minimizing power consumption and crosstalk.
Implementation Method 1
a heating mechanism configured to heat the liquid inside the liquid flow path
Implementation Method 2
the liquid flow path extends in a meandering manner... increase a heat transfer area between the liquid and the manifold
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A liquid jet head includes: a head chip including a channel to be filled with ink; a manifold that supports the head chip and includes an ink flow path communicating with the ejection channel; and a heater and a drive board that are supported on the manifold and heat ink inside the ink flow path. The ink flow path extends in a meandering manner.