Liquid Ejecting Head Protrusion Prevents Nozzle Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid ejecting heads are prone to nozzle damage when a recording medium, such as paper, enters the openings of the head units, which can lead to ink ejection issues and mechanical interference.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design featuring a second plate with protrusions that extend away from the first plate, creating a gap between the recording medium and the openings, preventing the medium from entering and thus protecting the nozzles, while allowing smooth ink ejection and facilitating assembly and bonding of the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the second plate is provided to close gaps between first plates, then ink collection in gaps is prevented, but recording medium may enter openings and cause nozzle damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion acts as an intermediary element between the second plate and the openings. It extends from the second plate toward the openings but stops short of blocking them, creating a protective barrier that prevents recording medium contact while maintaining ink ejection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a dimensional element (the protrusion extending in the thickness direction) to the second plate structure. This creates a three-dimensional protective feature that addresses the hazard without compromising the two-dimensional ink ejection function.
2Productivity
If openings are provided in the first and second plates for ink ejection, then ink can be ejected through nozzles, but recording medium can enter and damage nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion serves as a protective intermediary that extends from the second plate toward the openings without blocking them. This creates a physical barrier that prevents recording medium from contacting the nozzles while allowing ink to pass through the openings uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion provides preliminary protection by extending into the path where recording medium might travel toward the openings. This preemptive barrier prevents the harmful contact before it can occur, while maintaining the ink ejection pathway.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head includes: a plurality of liquid ejecting modules each including a plurality of head units and a first plate, a second plate, and a protrusion. The plurality of liquid ejecting modules is arrayed in a first direction. The first plate has a first surface to which the plurality of head units is fixed and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first plate has a thickness in a second direction. The second plate is disposed at the second surface of the first plate so as to extend along the plurality of liquid ejecting modules. The protrusion protrudes from the second plate in a direction away from the first plate.