Liquid Discharge Head Heater Cover Member Thermal Bridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid discharge heads face inefficiencies in heat transfer from the heater to the discharge holes, leading to variations in the discharge state of the liquid.

Innovation Solution

The liquid discharge head design positions the heater in close proximity to the flow channel member, with a cover member and flexible substrates facilitating heat transfer, allowing for efficient heating of the liquid near the discharge holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the heater is positioned away from the discharge hole, then the device structure is simpler, but heat transfer efficiency is poor causing variation in liquid discharge state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidheater positioning structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cover member as an intermediary heat transfer medium positioned between the heater and the flow channel member. The cover member includes a heater contact portion that directly contacts the heater and a flow channel contact portion that contacts the flow channel member, creating a thermal bridge that efficiently transfers heat from the heater to the liquid discharge system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover member is divided into distinct functional portions: a heater contact portion for thermal coupling with the heater, and a flow channel contact portion for thermal coupling with the flow channel member. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall heat transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If the heater is positioned close to the discharge hole, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but the risk of direct contact between heater and flow channel member increases causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidheater protection from damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member serves as a protective intermediary between the heater and the flow channel member. It maintains close proximity for efficient heat transfer while preventing direct contact that could cause damage to either component. The cover member absorbs and distributes thermal stress, protecting the heater from mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover member has different contact characteristics at different locations: the heater contact portion is designed for optimal thermal coupling with the heater, while the flow channel contact portion is designed for thermal coupling with the flow channel member. This local differentiation allows efficient heat transfer while maintaining protective separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 stable and efficient liquid discharge by ensuring consistent heat transfer to the liquid, thereby reducing variations in the discharge state.

Implementation Method 1

a heater that elevates a temperature of a liquid is provided through a head body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4052910B1Liquid discharge head and recording device
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP4052910B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4052910B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4052910B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A liquid discharge head includes a flow channel member, a pressurization part, a plurality of discharge holes, a flexible substrate, a cover member, and a heater. The flow channel member has a first surface and a second surface that is positioned on an opposite side of the first surface. The pressurization part is positioned on the first surface. The plurality of discharge holes are positioned on the second surface. For the flexible substrate, a one-end part thereof that is positioned on the pressurization part is electrically connected to the pressurization part. The cover member covers the one-end part of the flexible substrate. The heater is positioned on the cover member.