Anodizing Circuit for Liquid Ejection Head Protective Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection heads with multiple recording element substrates, defects in protective films can lead to nonuniform thermal efficiency, causing variations in the energy required for liquid ejection and resulting in nonuniform recording due to potential short circuits and electrochemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with an anodizing circuit that electrifies electroconductive protective films to detect and actively anodize them, ensuring uniform thermal characteristics across all substrates, thereby maintaining consistent energy transfer for ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If protective films are electrically connected to each other in the recording element substrate, then detection of electrical insulation defects is simplified, but degradation of some protective films affects all protective films in the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recording element substrate into multiple independent units, each with its own protective film and detection circuit. This segmentation allows individual detection of electrical insulation defects in each protective film without affecting others, resolving the contradiction between simplified detection and uniform performance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates detection circuits that continuously monitor the electrical insulation state of each protective film and provide feedback to the control unit. When a defect is detected, the system can alert the user or adjust operation, maintaining reliability while enabling individualized detection.
2Productivity
If multiple recording element substrates are used in a liquid ejection head, then ejection capacity is increased, but thermal efficiency variations cause nonuniform recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs electrical insulation detection on each protective film during the manufacturing process before the substrates are assembled into the liquid ejection head. This preliminary detection and sorting ensures that only substrates with acceptable thermal efficiency are used, preventing nonuniform recording while maintaining high ejection capacity through use of multiple substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors and adjusts the electrical insulation parameters of protective films during manufacturing. By detecting and controlling the electrical insulation state, the system ensures uniform thermal efficiency across all substrates, enabling nonuniform recording to be prevented while maintaining high productivity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If holes are formed in protective or insulation films during use, then liquid ejection continues, but thermal efficiency deviates and recording becomes nonuniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates detection circuits that continuously monitor the electrical insulation state of protective films during operation. When holes or defects develop, the system detects changes in electrical insulation properties and provides feedback, allowing for real-time detection of thermal efficiency deviations and maintenance of recording uniformity throughout the operational life of the liquid ejection head.
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 effectively suppresses nonuniform recording by ensuring consistent thermal efficiency across all substrates, enhancing recording quality and reliability by preventing electrochemical reactions and maintaining uniform energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
an anodizing circuit that electrifies electroconductive protective films to detect and actively anodize them
Implementation Method 2
the protective film and the liquid may cause an electrochemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
Heat generating resistor layers, which generate heat when electrified, are used as the energy generating elements
Implementation Method 4
the liquid is ejected from the ejection orifices due to pressure generated by the bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes an energy generating element that generates energy for ejecting a liquid; a plurality of electroconductive protective films that are disposed so as to cover at least the energy generating element and that are in contact with the liquid; and an electrifying unit that is capable of electrifying the plurality of electroconductive protective films in such a way that surfaces of the electroconductive protective films in contact with the liquid serve as anodes.