Droplet Ejection Seal Member Prevents Circuit Mist Penetration

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional droplet ejection apparatuses face issues where mist generated during droplet discharge can adhere to electric circuits, leading to short-circuits and damage, and existing solutions struggle to maintain effective sealing without deforming critical components.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising an ejecting head, electric circuit board, holder, cover, and seal members, with a support member, biasing member, and local pressing member to ensure proper sealing and maintain the discharging direction of droplets, using resilient seal members to prevent mist from reaching the electric circuit while allowing for light-force fixation to avoid deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid absorbent elastic member is used to cover the contacting point between the cable and the electric circuit board, then the contacting point is protected from liquid droplets, but the electric circuit board is still exposed to mist generated during droplet discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of electric circuitVSAvoidmist adhesion to electric circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from protecting only the contacting point (zero-dimensional point protection) to protecting the entire electric circuit board surface (two-dimensional surface protection) by extending the seal member from the cable connection point across the top surface of the electric circuit board to the cover, creating a comprehensive barrier against mist in the dimensional space above the circuit board

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member acts as an intermediary barrier between the mist-generating ejecting head and the electric circuit board. It extends beyond the cable connection point to cover the entire top surface of the electric circuit board, creating an intermediate protective layer that blocks mist before it can reach the electric circuit, while still allowing cable flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a seal member is used to fill the gap between the cover and the electric circuit board, then mist penetration is prevented, but the cover and holder require strong fixation force that may deform the electric circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidstructural integrity of electric circuit board

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function at the critical gap region between the cover and the electric circuit board. The seal member is positioned specifically to fill this gap and prevent mist penetration, while the rest of the electric circuit board structure remains unaffected and maintains its structural integrity without requiring excessive fixation force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member functions as a flexible barrier that can adapt to the gap between the cover and the electric circuit board. This flexible sealing approach provides effective mist prevention without requiring rigid, force-intensive fixation that could deform the electric circuit board, allowing the seal to conform to the interface geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the cover is fixed strongly to the holder to ensure sealing, then mist is prevented from reaching the electric circuit, but the ejecting head position may shift causing droplet discharge direction to change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from mistVSAvoiddroplet discharge direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function at the critical gap region between the cover and the electric circuit board. The seal member is positioned specifically to fill this gap and prevent mist penetration, while the rest of the electric circuit board structure remains unaffected and maintains its structural integrity without requiring excessive fixation force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member functions as a flexible barrier that can adapt to the gap between the cover and the electric circuit board. This flexible sealing approach provides effective mist prevention without requiring rigid, force-intensive fixation that could deform the electric circuit board, allowing the seal to conform to the interface geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively prevents mist from adhering to the electric circuit while maintaining the correct discharging direction of droplets, ensuring reliable operation and preventing damage to the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

the seal member fills at least a part of a gap formed between a peripheral region of the top surface of the electric circuit board and an inner surface of the cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS7604324B2Apparatus for ejecting droplets

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An apparatus for ejecting droplets is provided with a ejecting head for discharging droplets, an electric circuit board having an electric circuit formed on a surface of the electric circuit board, the electric circuit being connected to the ejecting head, a holder for supporting the ejecting head and the electric circuit board, and a cover that overlaps the surface of the electric circuit board when the cover is fixed to the holder. The apparatus for ejecting droplets is further provided with a seal member that fills a gap formed between a peripheral region of the surface of the electric circuit board and an inner surface of the cover. The seal member effectively prevents droplets mist from penetrating to the electric circuit.