Stacked Liquid Ejection Module for High-Resolution Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection modules face challenges in achieving high resolution due to restrictions on ejection opening arrangement and increased wiring resistance, which affects liquid circulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection module design with ejection openings arranged in a stacked configuration, utilizing penetrating flow paths and separate wiring layers to connect energy generating elements and liquid delivery mechanisms, allowing for high resolution without increasing wiring resistance or decreasing circulation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the liquid delivery mechanism is arranged in the ejection opening array, then the structure is simplified, but the resolution is restricted and ejection openings cannot be arranged for high resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The liquid delivery mechanism is placed on a second substrate that is stacked with the first substrate containing the ejection openings and energy generating elements. This vertical stacking enables high-resolution ejection opening arrangement while maintaining structural integration and simplifying the overall device architecture through layered design.
2Manufacturing precision
If the liquid delivery mechanism is downsized to increase resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the circulation efficiency is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the liquid delivery mechanism to a stacked second substrate, the patent enables the mechanism to maintain adequate size for efficient liquid circulation while allowing ejection openings on the first substrate to be arranged at high resolution. The vertical separation in the stacked configuration eliminates the trade-off between size and resolution that exists in planar arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the device into functionally separate substrates: the first substrate contains ejection openings and energy generating elements for high-resolution ejection, while the second substrate contains the liquid delivery mechanism for efficient liquid supply. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function without compromising the other.
3Ease of manufacture
If wiring detours around the supply flow path and collection flow path, then the layout is simplified, but the wiring resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension in the stacked substrate configuration to route wiring. Electric wiring can be provided on different layers or substrates, allowing wiring to connect to energy generating elements without detouring around flow paths on the same plane. This three-dimensional wiring arrangement reduces wiring length and resistance while maintaining layout simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked substrate structure acts as an intermediary that separates wiring paths from liquid flow paths. Wiring on the first substrate or connecting through the second substrate provides direct electrical connections to energy generating elements without requiring detours around the liquid supply and collection flow paths, thereby reducing resistance.
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
Enables high-resolution ejection openings and maintains efficient liquid circulation by optimizing the arrangement of energy generating elements and liquid delivery mechanisms, reducing wiring detours and resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an energy generating element provided in a first substrate forming a part of the pressure chamber at a position facing the ejection opening and configured to provide liquid in the pressure chamber with energy for ejection
Implementation Method 2
a liquid delivery mechanism provided in the liquid delivery flow path and configured to provide liquid with energy for supplying liquid from the liquid delivery flow path to the pressure chamber through the penetrating flow path
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a liquid ejection module capable of arranging ejection openings for a high resolution and suppressing an increase in wiring resistance without decreasing liquid circulation efficiency, a liquid delivery mechanism is arranged below an energy generating element, a plurality of penetrating flow paths are provided to correspond to a plurality of pressure chambers, respectively, and electric wiring is routed between adjacent penetrating flow paths.