Actuator Wiring Structure Segmentation for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of elements driven by an actuator increases, the number of required wirings becomes larger, leading to narrow wiring pitches and associated issues such as shorts and noise interference, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies, and using a wide printed circuit results in higher costs and non-standardized products.
Innovation Solution
A compact wiring structure is achieved by arranging multiple printed circuits with input terminals at one area, drive ICs in a row, and output terminals alternately on opposite sides, along with a heat spreading plate, to prevent interference and radiation noise, and using a stacked printed circuit to expose drive ICs and facilitate connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of elements driven by the actuator is increased, then the driving capability is improved, but the wiring pitch becomes narrower leading to shorts and noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple separate printed circuits (first printed circuit and second printed circuit) instead of using a single printed circuit. Each printed circuit controls a subset of the actuator elements (nozzles), which allows for wider wiring pitches and reduced noise interference while maintaining the ability to drive all elements. The segmentation of the control function across multiple circuits resolves the contradiction between driving capability and wiring reliability.
2Productivity
If a wide printed circuit is used to accommodate more wirings, then the wiring capacity is improved, but the cost increases due to nonstandardized products
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single wide printed circuit that would require nonstandardized and expensive manufacturing, the patent segments the wiring into multiple standard-width printed circuits. Each printed circuit has a manageable number of wirings that can be manufactured using standardized processes, thereby reducing cost while maintaining adequate wiring capacity through the combined capability of multiple circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane wide circuit configuration to a multi-layer stacked configuration. The first and second printed circuits are arranged in different layers (stacked configuration) with their respective actuators, allowing each circuit to maintain standard width while collectively providing the necessary wiring capacity through vertical stacking rather than horizontal expansion.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple printed circuits are arranged with input portions at one area to make the structure compact, then the spatial efficiency is improved, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking in the third dimension to arrange the first and second printed circuits along with their respective actuators. This stacked configuration consolidates the input portions at one area (improving compactness) while organizing the circuits in a systematic vertical hierarchy that manages arrangement complexity through clear layering and positioning relationships.
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 allows for a compact, interference-free, and noise-reduced wiring structure that effectively manages heat dissipation and simplifies connections, preventing shorts and noise issues while maintaining a cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
a heat spreading plate extending in the predetermined direction and configured to spread heat generated by the plurality of drive ICs
Data Source
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AI summary
A wiring structure (100) for an actuator (7), including a plurality of printed circuits (50) each including: a flexible base member (51) having a strip shape and curved in a longitudinal direction thereof, the base member including (a) one end portion (511) thereof which faces the actuator and (b) the other end portion (512) of the base member drawn from the one end portion in a drawn direction along a face of the actuator and then turned, the other end portion extending in parallel with the one end portion; a plurality of output terminals (53) formed on the one end portion of the base member and configured to output signals to the actuator by respectively contacting a plurality of contacts (45) disposed on the face of the actuator; a drive IC (52) mounted on a face of the base member and connected to the plurality of output terminals by a plurality of output wirings (56); and a plurality of input terminal (54) formed on the other end portion of the base member and connected to the drive IC by a plurality of input wirings (55) so as to input signals to the drive IC, wherein the plurality of printed circuits are arranged in a predetermined direction along the face of the actuator, wherein a plurality of the one end portions of a plurality of the base members of the plurality of respective printed circuits are arranged in the predetermined direction, wherein each of the plurality of output terminals is provided on a corresponding one of the plurality of the one end portions, and wherein a plurality of the other end portions of the plurality of the base members of the plurality of respective printed circuits are arranged in the predetermined direction, wherein each of the plurality of input terminals is provided on a corresponding one of the plurality of the other end portions.