Oblique Flow Paths in Liquid Ejecting Heads for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density nozzle arrangements in ink jet recording heads lead to degradation in printing quality due to crosstalk, rigidity issues, and variations in ink ejecting properties, caused by deformation of sectioning walls and air bubble absorption in stagnant ink flow areas.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design featuring pressure generation chambers and nozzle openings with oblique communication paths that differentiate their positions and section areas, enhancing the rigidity of sectioning walls and reducing crosstalk, while maintaining precise shape formation and suppressing wind patterns and air bubble accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nozzle openings are arranged at high density, then productivity is improved, but printing quality deteriorates due to crosstalk and rigidity degradation of sectioning walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by making communication paths oblique rather than perpendicular to the nozzle alignment direction. This dimensional change allows adjacent flow paths to be positioned at different vertical levels, increasing the horizontal separation between sectioning walls and reducing crosstalk while maintaining high nozzle density
Solution Approach 2:
The communication paths are designed with asymmetric oblique orientations relative to the nozzle alignment direction. Adjacent communication paths have different oblique directions, creating asymmetric positioning that prevents parallel alignment of sectioning walls and reduces mechanical coupling between adjacent nozzles
2Strength
If communication paths are arranged with oblique portions, then rigidity of sectioning walls is enhanced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in forming paths with changing section areas
Solution Approach 1:
The communication paths incorporate local quality variations by including oblique portions with changing section areas at specific locations. The section area is reduced in the oblique portion to enhance rigidity where needed, while maintaining appropriate flow characteristics in other sections. This localized modification allows enhanced rigidity without compromising overall manufacturing precision
3Productivity
If flow paths are arranged at high density, then productivity is improved, but ink ejecting properties vary due to crosstalk of sectioning walls
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting communication paths obliquely in three-dimensional space rather than perpendicular to the nozzle alignment direction, the patent creates vertical separation between adjacent flow paths. This dimensional change increases horizontal separation between sectioning walls, reducing mechanical coupling and crosstalk, thereby stabilizing ink ejecting properties while maintaining high nozzle density
4Productivity
If nozzle openings are arranged at high density, then productivity is improved, but air bubbles accumulate in stagnant ink flow portions, causing ejection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique arrangement of communication paths creates three-dimensional flow paths that prevent stagnant zones. The angled orientation ensures continuous ink flow from pressure generation chambers to nozzle openings, preventing bubble accumulation and maintaining reliable ejection even at high nozzle densities
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 design improves printing quality by reducing crosstalk, stabilizing ink ejecting properties, and preventing air bubble-related ejection failures, resulting in more precise and reliable ink droplet placement.
Implementation Method 1
a drive element, such as a piezoelectric actuator, provided on a one surface side of the flow path forming substrate and ejects ink from the nozzle openings by the drive element generating variations in pressure of the ink in the pressure generation chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes: a first pressure generation chamber communicating with a first nozzle opening via a first communication path, and a second pressure generation chamber communicating with a second nozzle opening via a second communication path. The first and second pressure generation chambers are aligned in a first direction. The first communication path includes, on one side of a second direction, a first oblique portion with a section area changing from a side of the first pressure generation chamber toward the first nozzle opening. The second communication path includes, on the other side of the second direction, a second oblique portion with a section area changing from a side of the second pressure generation chamber toward the second nozzle opening.