Multi-Chamber Nozzle Control for High-Viscosity Liquid Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejecting heads that utilize multiple pressure chambers for ejection from a nozzle lack sufficient drive control mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies and potential issues with ink ejection.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejecting apparatus with a control section that can execute both a first ejection mode where all driving elements are activated and a second mode where only some elements are activated, allowing for controlled ink ejection from a nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple pressure chambers are used to eject liquid from one nozzle, then ejection efficiency can be improved, but pressure wave attenuation occurs and control becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection efficiencyVSAvoidpressure wave attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible, selective activation of pressure chambers based on ejection requirements. The control section dynamically determines which pressure chambers to activate, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for optimal performance rather than operating in a fixed state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by activating only the necessary number of pressure chambers for each ejection event rather than always using all chambers. This selective activation reduces unnecessary pressure wave attenuation while maintaining sufficient ejection efficiency for the required liquid volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Quantity of substance

If multiple driving elements are activated simultaneously, then liquid ejection volume increases, but control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ejection volumeVSAvoidejection control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ejection control into independent, selectable pressure chamber units. Each pressure chamber can be individually activated or deactivated, allowing precise control over the total ejection volume by combining specific chambers rather than treating them as a monolithic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control section dynamically selects which pressure chambers to activate based on the required ejection volume, enabling precise control adjustment. This dynamic configuration allows the system to match the activated chambers to the specific ejection requirements, improving control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If all pressure chambers are always activated, then maximum ejection performance is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by activating only the necessary number of pressure chambers for each ejection event rather than always using all chambers. This selective activation reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining sufficient ejection performance for the required liquid volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from fixed full activation to variable partial activation. The control section adjusts which pressure chambers are activated based on ejection requirements, optimizing the balance between ejection performance and energy consumption by matching activation levels to actual needs.

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

This approach enhances the efficiency and control of ink ejection, reducing pressure wave attenuation and improving ejection efficiency, especially with high-viscosity inks.

Implementation Method 1

first to fourth driving elements provided corresponding to each of the first to fourth pressure chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure wave: Shock Wave

Data Source

PatentUS12485668B2Liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a nozzle for ejecting a liquid, first to fourth pressure chambers communicating with the nozzle, first to fourth driving elements provided corresponding to each of the first to fourth pressure chambers, and a control section that controls the first to fourth driving elements. The control section is capable of executing a first ejection mode in which all of the first to fourth driving elements are driven to eject a liquid from the nozzle, and a second ejection mode in which only some driving elements among the first to fourth driving elements are driven to eject a liquid from the nozzle.