Printhead Robust Ink Distribution via Segmented Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printheads with long trenches running through the entire thickness of the layer segments suffer from reduced structural integrity, which affects the robustness and reliability of the printhead, particularly in inkjet printers where fluid stagnation can lead to viscous fluid degradation and unreliable droplet jetting.
Innovation Solution
The printhead design incorporates two layer segments stacked in the third direction, where one segment features staggered outflow and inflow opening channels, while the other is free of trenches, acting as a robust support substrate, enhancing the overall robustness by preventing fluid stagnation and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long trenches are used to distribute fluid throughout the layer segment, then fluid distribution is improved, but structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution layer is divided into two separate layer segments stacked in the third direction. The first layer segment contains the continuous trenches for fluid distribution, while the second layer segment is free of trenches and provides structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution function is moved from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional stacked structure. By extending trenches only in the first layer segment and providing fluid pathways through both layers, the system achieves comprehensive fluid distribution while maintaining structural integrity through the trench-free second layer.
2Ease of operation
If trenches run through the entire thickness of the layer segment, then fluid can be supplied to all channels, but the layer segment becomes less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The layer segment is segmented into two stacked layers with different functions. The first layer handles fluid distribution with continuous trenches, while the second layer provides structural robustness by being free of trenches. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between fluid supply capability and structural robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The two layer segments act as intermediaries to each other, with the first layer segment mediating fluid distribution and the second layer segment mediating structural support. The stacking arrangement allows both functions to coexist without direct conflict.
3Quantity of substance
If a single layer segment contains all trenches, then fluid distribution is achieved, but structural support is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution layer is segmented into two stacked layer segments. The first layer segment contains all the trenches for fluid distribution, while the second layer segment is free of trenches and provides structural support. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both comprehensive fluid distribution and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the distribution layer are assigned different qualities: the first layer segment has high fluid distribution capability with continuous trenches, while the second layer segment has high structural strength by being free of trenches. Each layer is optimized for its specific local function.
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 significantly increases the robustness of the printhead, preventing fluid stagnation and ensuring reliable droplet jetting by maintaining structural integrity and improving the structural support, thus enhancing the printhead's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure chamber in fluid connection to an outlet channel and an inlet channel for respectively flowing fluid out of and into the pressure chamber and to a nozzle for jetting a droplet of fluid from the nozzle by means of a pressure change inside the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
a distribution layer mounted onto the droplet forming layer, which distribution layer comprises a channel structure for flowing fluid to respectively and from the outlet and inlet channels in the droplet forming layer
Data Source
AI summary
A printhead including a droplet forming layer comprising droplet forming units, provided in a plurality of rows extending in a first direction, each droplet forming unit comprising a pressure chamber in fluid connection to outlet and inlet channels for respectively flowing fluid out of and into the pressure chamber and to a nozzle for jetting fluid by pressure change inside the pressure chamber; and two layer segments formed on top of one another in a third direction. One of the layer segments comprises outflow and inflow trenches extending continuously in a second direction perpendicular to the first and third directions and being in fluid connection to respectively outlet and inlet channels in the droplet forming layer. Another one of the layer segments comprises a staggered pattern of outflow and inflow opening channels in fluid connection to respectively the outflow and inflow trenches, when viewed in the third direction.