Print Head Channel Segmentation for Bubble Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing processes for disposable-type and continuous ink supply-type print heads are not interchangeable due to differences in channel configuration, leading to increased complexity and the number of parts required.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a print head that includes a housing with a channel formation part and a lid member, where the lid member has a supply port for continuous ink supply-type print heads and lacks a supply port for disposable-type print heads, allowing for interchangeable channel formation parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wide channel space is provided to gather and accommodate bubbles in disposable-type print heads, then bubbles can be effectively collected using buoyancy, but the channel width cannot be made narrow to achieve high suction pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into two distinct functional sections: a wide reservoir portion for bubble collection and a narrow suction channel for high-pressure ink removal. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its geometry for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between wide channel space for bubbles and narrow channel for suction pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the channel have different cross-sectional areas tailored to their specific functions. The reservoir portion has a larger cross-section optimized for bubble accommodation, while the suction channel has a narrower cross-section optimized for generating high suction pressure. This local differentiation resolves the geometric contradiction.
2Reliability
If different channel configurations are used for disposable-type and continuous ink supply-type print heads, then each type can be optimized for its specific operation mode, but the manufacturing processes cannot be commonized
Solution Approach 1:
The channel member is designed with a universal structure that can serve both disposable-type and continuous ink supply-type print heads. By incorporating both a reservoir portion and a suction channel in a single integrated component, the same channel member can be used across different print head types, enabling commonization of manufacturing processes while maintaining operational optimization for each type.
3Productivity
If the channel width is made narrow to achieve high suction pressure for continuous ink supply-type print heads, then suction efficiency is improved, but there is insufficient space to gather and accommodate bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into a reservoir portion with larger volume for bubble accommodation and a suction channel with narrow width for high suction efficiency. This segmentation allows the system to provide both sufficient bubble space and effective suction performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel transitions from a wider cross-section in the reservoir portion to a narrower cross-section in the suction channel, utilizing dimensional variation along the flow path. This allows the system to provide both large bubble accommodation volume and narrow suction channel geometry in the same component.
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 reduces the number of parts and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling the use of a common channel formation part for both disposable and continuous ink supply-type print heads.
Implementation Method 1
a channel provided at an intermediate portion with a relatively wide space capable of gathering and accommodating bubbles generated in the channel by utilizing buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a print head and a method of manufacturing a print head which can reduce the number of parts and simplify the manufacturing process. A method includes: preparing first and second lid members as a lid member, the first lid member including a supply port through which an accommodation chamber can be supplied with a liquid, the second lid member not including the supply port; manufacturing a first print head by joining the first lid member to a housing, the first print head configured to eject the liquid from ejection ports with the accommodation chamber supplied with the liquid through the supply port; and manufacturing a second print head by joining the second lid member to the housing, the second print head being detachably attachable to a printing apparatus and configured to eject the liquid from the ejection ports without the accommodation chamber supplied with the liquid.