Circuit Substrate Convex Barrier for Ink Droplet Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit substrates for printing material cartridges face issues where liquid droplets, such as ink, can spread from high-voltage terminals to memory terminals, preventing effective overvoltage detection and potentially damaging the storage device.
Innovation Solution
A circuit substrate design with a convex portion between the high-voltage terminal and the terminal for memory, which redirects liquid droplets to an overvoltage detection terminal, preventing overvoltage application to the memory terminal, and optionally incorporating a resist coating or wiring to enhance the barrier effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the overvoltage detection terminal is disposed adjacent to the high-voltage terminal, then the overvoltage detection function is improved, but liquid droplets can spread from the high-voltage terminal to the memory terminal, causing overvoltage damage
Solution Approach 1:
A convex portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the high-voltage terminal and the memory terminal. This convex portion acts as a physical barrier that intercepts and redirects liquid droplets, preventing them from reaching the memory terminal while allowing the overvoltage detection terminal to remain adjacent to the high-voltage terminal for effective detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional terminal arrangement to a three-dimensional structure by adding a convex portion that protrudes from the substrate surface. This vertical dimension creates a physical barrier that liquid droplets must overcome, effectively blocking their path to the memory terminal while maintaining the functional proximity of the overvoltage detection terminal.
2Area of stationary object
If the terminal arrangement is optimized for compactness, then the device size is reduced, but the risk of liquid droplet spread between terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex portion is strategically positioned only between the high-voltage terminal and the memory terminal, creating a localized protective barrier where it is most needed. This allows the overall terminal arrangement to remain compact while providing targeted protection against liquid droplet spread in the critical area.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit substrate includes a first terminal connected to a storage device, a second terminal to which voltage higher than voltage which is applied to the first terminal is applied, and a third terminal. The third terminal is disposed adjacent to the first terminal and the second terminal and connected to an overvoltage detection section provided in a printer. A convex portion is provided on a substrate surface between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a configuration is made such that a liquid droplet easily spreads from the second terminal to the third terminal rather than the liquid droplet spreading from the second terminal to the first terminal.