Circuit Substrate Segmentation for Liquid Ejecting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of nozzles in liquid ejecting apparatuses requires larger drive signal output circuits, leading to increased power consumption and a larger circuit substrate area, which complicates downsizing efforts due to the need for wider terminals to handle high current outputs.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting apparatus incorporates a configuration with multiple circuit substrates, where a first circuit substrate is coupled to a print head and a second circuit substrate, with a fixing portion that serves as both a terminal and an output terminal, allowing for efficient drive signal output and reference voltage signal distribution, thereby reducing the need for separate large terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of nozzles is increased to improve printing accuracy, then the printing accuracy is improved, but the number of piezoelectric elements increases leading to increased current consumption and larger circuit substrate area
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit substrate is divided into a first circuit substrate and a second circuit substrate. The first circuit substrate includes input terminals for receiving original signals, while the second circuit substrate includes output terminals for outputting drive signals to piezoelectric elements. This segmentation allows each substrate to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall area required while supporting increased numbers of nozzles and piezoelectric elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane substrate layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with first and second circuit substrates positioned at different heights. The fixing portion vertically couples these substrates, enabling signal transmission in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows multiple terminal types to coexist without requiring excessive horizontal space, thus reducing the overall circuit substrate area while supporting higher current requirements.
2Power
If wider terminals are used to handle high current output from the drive signal output circuit, then the current handling capability is improved, but the area occupied by terminals increases making downsizing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Terminals are segmented by function and positioned on different substrates: input terminals for low-current original signals are placed on the first circuit substrate, while output terminals for high-current drive signals are placed on the second circuit substrate. This segmentation allows each terminal to be optimized for its specific current requirement, preventing the need for all terminals to be oversized, thus reducing total terminal area while maintaining adequate current handling capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of terminals are provided to accommodate both input and output signals with different current requirements, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal system is segmented into input terminals on the first circuit substrate and output terminals on the second circuit substrate. Each terminal type is dedicated to its specific signal type (original signals or drive signals), simplifying the design and reducing the need for multi-functional terminals. This segmentation maintains full signal transmission capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves terminal complexity by organizing different terminal types across the vertical dimension rather than mixing them on a single plane. The first circuit substrate handles input signals at one vertical level, while the second circuit substrate handles output signals at another vertical level. This spatial organization simplifies terminal design and reduces the need for complex multi-functional terminals, as each terminal type is dedicated to its specific function and position.
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 enables compact design by eliminating the need for separate terminals for high-voltage outputs, reducing the overall area occupied by the circuit substrate and improving the efficiency of drive signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element such as a piezo element to print an image or a document on a medium by ejecting the ink as a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a print head including a drive element; a first circuit substrate electrically coupled to the print head; a second circuit substrate electrically coupled to the first circuit substrate; and a fixing portion that fixes the second circuit substrate to the first circuit substrate, wherein the first circuit substrate includes a coupling terminal electrically coupled to the print head, and a first substrate on which the coupling terminal is provided, wherein the second circuit substrate includes a drive signal output circuit that outputs a drive signal for driving the drive element and a second substrate on which the drive signal output circuit is provided, and wherein the fixing portion also serves as a output terminal through which the drive signal is output to the first circuit substrate.