Stepped Nozzle Plate Sealing to Prevent Liquid Discharge Head Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge heads suffer from durability issues due to deformation of the nozzle plate under the pressing force of the opening-closing valve, leading to deterioration in sealing performance and discharge efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The liquid discharge head incorporates a nozzle plate with a stepped structure and a thickened design, combined with a seal member at the leading end of the needle valve, to prevent deformation and enhance sealing performance, while maintaining efficient discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the opening-closing valve presses against the nozzle plate to close the nozzle, then sealing performance is improved, but the nozzle plate deforms causing deterioration in sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
A support plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the opening-closing valve and the nozzle plate. The support plate receives the pressing force from the valve during closing operation, preventing direct transmission of force to the nozzle plate and thus avoiding deformation while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure is segmented into a support plate and a nozzle plate as separate components. This segmentation allows the support plate to bear the mechanical loading from the valve while the nozzle plate maintains its original shape and sealing function, resolving the contradiction between sealing force and structural stability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the nozzle plate is made thicker to prevent deformation, then durability is improved, but fluid resistance increases reducing discharge efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a support plate for structural support and a nozzle plate for fluid discharge. This segmentation allows the support plate to be sufficiently thick for durability while the nozzle plate remains thin to minimize fluid resistance and maintain discharge efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate acts as a mediator that provides the necessary structural thickness for durability without interfering with the fluid flow path. The nozzle plate can be optimized for minimal thickness to reduce fluid resistance, while the support plate handles the mechanical durability requirements.
3Reliability
If the valve continuously contacts the nozzle plate to prevent accidental discharge, then sealing is maintained, but the nozzle plate deforms deteriorating sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate serves as an intermediary that allows the valve to maintain continuous contact for sealing purposes without transmitting deforming forces to the nozzle plate. The support plate absorbs the continuous pressing force while the nozzle plate remains undeformed and maintains its sealing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the plate structure into support and nozzle functions, the system enables continuous valve contact for reliability while protecting the nozzle plate from deformation through the support plate's structural role.
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
The solution provides a liquid discharge head with high durability and improved sealing performance, ensuring consistent and efficient discharge of liquid droplets without deformation of the nozzle plate.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle opening-closing driver (i.e., a piezoelectric element or an actuator) moves the needle valve toward and away from the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The valve contacts the first face of the nozzle plate to form a sealed portion between the valve and the nozzle plate to close the nozzle hole
Implementation Method 3
The nozzle hole has at least two different inner diameters between the first face and the second face
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A liquid discharge module (30) includes a nozzle plate (15), a housing (11), a valve (17), and a mover (18). The nozzle plate (15) has a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, and a nozzle hole (14). The nozzle hole (14) has at least two different inner diameters between the first face and the second face. The housing (11) has a liquid chamber facing the first face and communicating with the nozzle hole (14). The housing (11) supports the nozzle plate (15). The valve (17) is disposed in the liquid chamber. The valve (17) contacts the first face of the nozzle plate (15) to form a sealed portion (17b) between the valve (17) and the nozzle plate (15) to close the nozzle hole (14). The mover (18) moves the valve (17) in a contact-separation direction between a contact position and a separation position.