Detachable Liquid Ejecting Head Modules with Press-Fit Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting heads require detachment of the fixing plate to replace broken head modules, leading to misalignment of the remaining modules, complicating repairs and potentially deteriorating print quality.
Innovation Solution
A detachable attachment mechanism using metallic holders with press-fit alignment portions for head modules, ensuring precise alignment and easy replacement of individual modules without disturbing the overall alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If head modules are fixed to the fixing plate with adhesive, then the head modules are securely fixed, but the alignment precision deteriorates during repair when the fixing plate is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing plate is divided into a holder body and a separate removable cover. The cover can be detached to access head modules for replacement while the holder body remains fixed, maintaining alignment of the remaining modules. This segmentation allows repair access without disturbing the overall fixing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment portions (protrusions and recesses) are introduced as intermediary structures between the head modules and the holder. These alignment portions ensure precise positioning of head modules during both assembly and repair operations, preventing misalignment even when the cover is removed.
2Ease of repair
If the fixing plate is detached to replace broken head modules, then the broken modules can be replaced, but the alignment of the remaining modules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is separated from the holder body, allowing the cover to be removed for module replacement while the holder body with alignment portions remains in place. This maintains the alignment reference for remaining modules during repair.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment portions are pre-installed on the holder body before any repair operations. These alignment portions are designed to guide and position head modules precisely during replacement, ensuring alignment is maintained without requiring re-alignment after repair.
3Device complexity
If multiple head modules are fixed with a single fixing plate, then the structure is simplified, but the ease of repair deteriorates when individual modules need replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing plate is segmented into a holder body that provides structural support and a removable cover that provides access. This allows individual head modules to be replaced by removing only the cover, not the entire fixing plate, improving repairability while maintaining structural integrity.
4Ease of repair
If head modules are detachably attached for easy replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the fixing strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixing mechanisms are merged: adhesive bonding provides strong attachment, while alignment portions (protrusions and recesses) provide mechanical interlocking. This combination maintains strong fixing strength while allowing detachable replacement through the removable cover mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system uses composite fixing methods combining chemical bonding (adhesive) and mechanical bonding (alignment portions with protrusions and recesses). This composite approach ensures both strong attachment and ease of replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes head modules to eject a liquid in a first direction, and a metallic holder to which the head modules are fixed in a detachably-attached manner. Each of the head modules includes a metallic channel orifice forming member in which a channel is defined, and which includes a first alignment portion. The holder includes second alignment portions which are inserted into or receive the first alignment portions, respectively, in a press-fit manner, positioning the head modules with respect to the holder. A channel orifice formed in the holder to make a channel-forming connection to each of the head modules and a channel orifice formed in the head module to make the channel-forming connection to the holder coincide with each other as viewed in a direction in which either of the first alignment portions and the second alignment portions are press-fitted into the other alignment portions.