Rounded Ink Supply Holes in Piezoelectric Liquid Discharge Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge heads, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in high-speed ink supply due to the potential for base plate damage when external forces are applied, particularly with rectangular ink supply holes that concentrate stress at sharp corners.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an elongated ink supply hole with rounded corner portions on the base plate, reducing stress concentration and preventing damage by using a piezoelectric actuator with pressure chambers and air chambers to manage ink flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rectangular ink supply holes are used to increase ink supply capacity, then ink supply efficiency is improved, but base plate strength deteriorates due to stress concentration at sharp corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding the corner portions of the ink supply holes in the base plate. This spherical/curved geometry modification eliminates the sharp corners that cause stress concentration, thereby maintaining base plate strength while preserving the high ink supply capacity provided by the elongated hole configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple ink supply holes are arranged to increase ink supply capacity, then ink flow volume is improved, but base plate reliability deteriorates due to increased stress points
Solution Approach 1:
By rounding the corner portions of multiple ink supply holes, the patent eliminates stress concentration points at each hole location. This curvature modification maintains structural reliability while allowing multiple holes to be arranged for increased ink supply volume.
3Force
If external force is applied to the base plate during operation, then printing pressure is improved, but base plate durability deteriorates due to stress concentration at hole corners
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded corner portions of the ink supply holes prevent stress concentration when external printing pressure is applied to the base plate. This curvature design allows the base plate to withstand repeated printing forces without cracking or failing at the hole locations, thereby extending service life.
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 configuration enables high-speed, large-capacity ink supply while minimizing the risk of base plate damage, ensuring reliable operation in high-productivity printing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator with pressure chambers and air chambers to manage ink flow efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a liquid discharge head includes a base plate having an elongated hole therein. The elongated hole extends lengthwise in a first direction and laterally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A corner portion of the elongated hole that is near an end of the elongated hole in the first direction is rounded or the end is semicircular. A piezoelectric actuator is on the base plate at a position adjacent to the elongated hole in the second direction. The piezoelectric actuator includes a plurality of pressure chambers disposed along the first direction.