Porous Member Liquid Dispenser for Clog-Free Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow through liquid drop dispensers face challenges in reliability and performance, particularly in preventing nozzle clogging and maintaining consistent liquid flow, which affects the precision and efficiency of inkjet printing and other applications.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispenser design that eliminates the need for a nozzle by using a liquid dispensing channel with an outlet opening directly to atmosphere, incorporating a diverter member and a porous member in the liquid return channel to manage pressure and minimize contamination, and featuring a drop ejection guide structure for precise liquid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nozzle is used in traditional flow through liquid drop dispensers, then liquid can be dispensed, but the nozzle becomes prone to clogging which reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidnozzle clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the nozzle component entirely from the liquid dispensing system. Instead of having liquid pass through a nozzle opening, the invention uses a capillary channel where liquid flows directly from the supply channel through the porous member to the return channel, eliminating the harmful nozzle clogging issue while maintaining liquid dispensing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a porous member as the liquid dispensing element. The porous structure allows liquid to pass through via capillary action and pressure differential without requiring a traditional nozzle opening, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining controlled liquid flow for drop ejection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Productivity

If a nozzle is used, then liquid can be ejected, but the complex structure increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrop ejection frequencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the nozzle and its associated complex structures (nozzle formation channels, outlet openings, and related components) by using a simplified capillary channel system with a porous member, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling high drop ejection frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid dispensing function is segmented into distinct functional zones: liquid supply channel, capillary channel with porous member, and return channel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure compared to traditional integrated nozzle designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional flow through dispensers are used, then liquid flow can be maintained, but pressure control is difficult leading to inconsistent flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent liquid flowVSAvoidpressure control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The porous member provides inherent pressure control through its pore structure, which regulates liquid flow via capillary pressure and permeability characteristics. This passive pressure regulation maintains consistent liquid flow without requiring complex active pressure control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The porous member acts as an intermediary element between the liquid supply channel and return channel, mediating the pressure differential and flow rate. It translates the pressure differential into controlled, consistent liquid flow through its porous structure, ensuring reliable and repeatable drop ejection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the reliability and performance of liquid dispensers by reducing the risk of clogging, improving drop ejection precision, and allowing for higher ejection frequency, while maintaining consistent liquid flow and reducing the likelihood of air being drawn into the system.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid return channel that includes a porous member located therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow deflection:

Implementation Method 3

A liquid supply provides liquid under pressure from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8469494B2Flow through drop dispenser including porous member

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel that includes an outlet opening, and a liquid return channel that includes a porous member located therein. A liquid supply provides liquid under pressure from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.