Oblique Flow Path Member for Liquid Ejection Head Seal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In page-wide type liquid ejection heads, achieving high reliability of seals between adjacent flow paths is challenging due to the narrow seal regions formed when a large number of flow paths are constructed in a narrow area, leading to difficulties in preventing the mixing of different liquids.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flow path member with common supply flow paths running longitudinally and individual supply flow paths that connect each recording element substrate to the common supply flow paths, with the individual supply flow paths oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction, allowing for wider seal regions and independent formation of flow paths to prevent liquid mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large number of flow paths are constructed in a narrow region to supply liquids to multiple chips, then the liquid supply capability is improved, but the seal regions among flow paths become so narrow that sealing with high reliability is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern rather than being densely packed in a single dimension. This allows the flow paths to be distributed across both the longitudinal and lateral directions, increasing the available seal region width while maintaining the ability to supply multiple chips efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path system is divided into multiple independent flow paths that are spaced apart. Each flow path is sealed independently, and the segmentation allows for adequate seal regions between adjacent flow paths while still providing comprehensive liquid supply to all chips
2Ease of operation
If flow paths are formed substantially perpendicularly to the chip arrangement direction to supply liquids, then the liquid distribution is improved, but the seal regions become narrow making it difficult to prevent liquid mixing between different flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are arranged with asymmetric spacing and orientation relative to the chip arrangement. Instead of uniform perpendicular flow paths, the design uses flow paths at various angles and positions that create wider seal regions while maintaining effective liquid distribution to all chips
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path arrangement transitions from a one-dimensional perpendicular configuration to a two-dimensional grid-like configuration. This allows liquid distribution in multiple directions while creating sufficient lateral spacing for reliable sealing between flow paths
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 enhances the reliability of sealing between adjacent flow paths, enabling high-quality liquid ejection even with a large number of flow paths, reducing the likelihood of liquid mixing and leakage, and maintaining image quality during high-speed recording.
Implementation Method 1
applies a voltage pulse in accordance with recorded data, to each of a plurality of energy generating elements (heating resistors as an example), and ejects liquid ink by using thermal energy which is generated
Data Source
AI summary
A page-wide type liquid ejection head includes a plurality of recording element substrates, each having an ejection port array including a plurality of ejection ports, each ejection port communicating with a pressure chamber including therein a recording element, and a liquid supply path for supplying a liquid to the pressure chamber. The liquid ejection head also includes a flow path member mounting the recording element substrates arranged thereon. The flow path member includes common supply flow paths and individual supply flow paths that connect the liquid supply path to the common supply flow paths, and the individual supply flow paths include portions running obliquely to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head.