Staggered Volume Changing Portions for Liquid Discharge Nozzle Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge devices have a limited nozzle density due to the linear arrangement of pressure chambers, which restricts the packing efficiency of nozzles and affects the uniformity and efficiency of liquid discharge.
Innovation Solution
The liquid discharge device incorporates volume changing portions arranged in staggered rows, with blocking portions that control inlet communication, allowing for increased nozzle density and efficient pressure transmission, while maintaining equal volumes and flow resistance for uniform discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pressure chambers are arranged in a row with nozzles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the nozzle density is limited and cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of pressure chambers and nozzles to a two-dimensional staggered grid arrangement. Volume changing portions are positioned at intersections of virtual grid lines, creating a denser spatial configuration that increases nozzle density while maintaining structural organization and manufacturability.
2Quantity of substance
If volume changing portions are arranged in staggered rows, then nozzle density is improved, but pressure transmission efficiency to liquid may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking portions are positioned to close inlet openings before the volume changing portions expand the pressure chambers. This preliminary blocking action ensures that when pressure is applied by the volume changing portions, the liquid is already confined and pressure is transmitted efficiently to all nozzles associated with each pressure chamber, maintaining pressure transmission efficiency despite the staggered arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inlets are provided for pressure chambers, then liquid supply flexibility is improved, but controlling uniform discharge across nozzles becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the functions of liquid supply control and pressure application. Blocking portions are dedicated specifically to controlling liquid supply to individual pressure chambers by closing inlet openings, while volume changing portions are dedicated to applying pressure uniformly to the liquid already inside the chambers. This functional separation ensures uniform discharge across all nozzles while maintaining supply flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If blocking portions are used to control inlet communication, then discharge control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blocking function with the pressure chamber structure itself. The blocking portions are integrated into the pressure chamber design, closing inlet openings that are part of the chamber structure. This integration achieves precise discharge control by enabling selective isolation of individual pressure chambers from the liquid supply while minimizing additional structural complexity.
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 enhances nozzle density, improves discharge control, and ensures consistent liquid discharge amounts and timing across nozzles, even with high-viscosity liquids, by staggering volume changing portions and using independently controllable blocking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of volume changing portions change volumes of the plurality of pressure chambers so as to apply pressure to insides of the plurality of pressure chambers, thereby discharging the liquid from the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
The liquid discharge device includes a plurality of volume changing portions and at least one blocking portion. The plurality of volume changing portions are in combination with a plurality of pressure chambers which communicate with nozzles for discharging a liquid and which have inlets through which the liquid flows into the plurality of pressure chambers. The at least one blocking portion blocks communication at the inlets. The plurality of volume changing portions are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced from one another. In a direction along the plurality of rows, the plurality of rows of volume changing portions are staggered from one another. The liquid is discharged from the nozzles by using the plurality of volume changing portions in a state in which the inlets are blocked by the at least one blocking portion.