Replaceable Printhead Cartridge with Perpendicular Nozzle Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection devices, such as printers, face challenges in efficiently utilizing and replacing integrated printhead cartridges with high precision dispensing capabilities, particularly in maintaining a compact design for side-by-side stacking while ensuring a large print area and efficient liquid supply.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a replaceable integrated printhead cartridge with a linear nozzle array extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, embedded printhead circuitry, and a backpressure regulator, allowing for high precision dispensing and efficient liquid management, enabling side-by-side stacking and a compact print bar configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the linear nozzle array extends along the lengthwise direction of the cartridge, then the print area is increased, but the cartridge length increases making side-by-side stacking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is reoriented to extend in the widthwise direction (transverse dimension) rather than the lengthwise direction (longitudinal dimension). This dimensional reorientation allows the print area to be maintained or increased while the cartridge length is reduced, enabling side-by-side stacking of multiple cartridges to form a print bar.
2Device complexity
If the printhead circuitry is integrated into the reservoir, then the cartridge structure is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead circuitry is integrated directly into the reservoir structure, merging two previously separate components (reservoir and printhead circuitry) into a single unified cartridge assembly. This integration simplifies the overall cartridge structure by eliminating separate mounting mechanisms and connections, while the design accommodates the increased manufacturing precision requirements through unified manufacturing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cartridges are stacked side-by-side to form a print bar, then the print width is increased, but the alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge design incorporates asymmetric features including a tapered configuration and specific geometric characteristics that enable self-alignment during stacking. These asymmetric design elements guide the cartridges into proper alignment positions when stacked side-by-side, reducing the stringency of alignment precision requirements compared to symmetric designs that would require precise manual or mechanical alignment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A replaceable integrated printhead cartridge is provided that comprises a liquid reservoir and a linear nozzle array being disposed in a bottom and extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis.