Composite Electrode Structure for Inkjet Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet head technologies face challenges in reducing the thickness of platinum electrodes to minimize cost and electrical resistance while maintaining effective deformation of piezoelectric films, as thinner electrodes can inhibit film deformation and increase electrical resistance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus is designed with a platinum lower electrode and a metal film made of a different material, such as copper or aluminum, positioned between the piezoelectric component and the diaphragm, allowing for reduced electrode thickness and lower electrical resistance without inhibiting deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the thickness of the platinum electrode is reduced to lower cost, then the cost is reduced, but the electrical resistance increases and piezoelectric film deformation is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrode structure consisting of a platinum layer and a copper layer. The platinum layer provides necessary electrical contact and corrosion resistance, while the copper layer provides low electrical resistance. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both cost reduction and maintained electrical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is segmented into two functional layers: a thin platinum layer for cost efficiency and corrosion resistance, and a copper layer for low electrical resistance. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without the drawbacks of using thick platinum alone.
2Quantity of substance
If the thickness of the platinum electrode is reduced to lower cost, then the cost is reduced, but the piezoelectric film deformation is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The composite electrode structure with copper provides sufficient mechanical support and electrical conductivity without the excessive thickness required by pure platinum electrodes. The copper layer's mechanical properties allow for better piezoelectric film deformation while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a thick platinum electrode is used to maintain low electrical resistance, then the electrical resistance is low, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The copper layer provides the low electrical resistance function that would otherwise require thick platinum, while the thin platinum layer maintains necessary corrosion resistance and electrical contact. This composite approach achieves low electrical resistance without proportionally increasing platinum用量.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive platinum with cheaper copper for the portion of the electrode where low resistance is the primary requirement. The copper layer serves this function effectively without needing the expensive platinum, reducing material cost while maintaining performance.
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 reduces the substantial electrical resistance of the platinum electrode while maintaining the deformation capability of the piezoelectric elements, achieving a lower cost and improved responsiveness of the inkjet head.
Implementation Method 1
The inkjet head includes piezoelectric elements for ejection of a liquid. The piezoelectric elements each include a piezoelectric film
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus and method of manufacture are disclosed. One apparatus includes a pressure chamber, a diaphragm covering the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric component positioned opposing the pressure chamber. The apparatus further includes a first electrode disposed on a first side of the piezoelectric component toward the pressure chamber and a second electrode disposed on a second side of the piezoelectric component opposite the first side in an opposed region, the opposed region being a region opposed to the second electrode. The apparatus also includes a metal film disposed between the piezoelectric component and the diaphragm, the metal film being absent from at least a portion of the opposed region. The metal film and the first electrode are in electrical contact with each other. The first electrode is made of platinum and the metal film is made of a metal material other than platinum.