Liquid Ejection Head Connector Orientation for Short-Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously achieving easy and efficient connection for both liquid and electrical pathways in page-wide liquid ejection heads, particularly due to the risk of liquid adhesion to electrical connectors, which can cause short-circuits and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejection head design positions the electrical connector and liquid connection part adjacently on the same side of the head in the longitudinal direction, with the electrical connector facing forward and the liquid connection part facing upward, preventing liquid scatter from adhering to the electrical connector during attachment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection part for liquid and electrical connector are arranged adjacently on the same side of the liquid ejection head, then the connection operation becomes easier and more efficient, but liquid scattered from the connection part may adhere to the electrical connector causing short-circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the electrical connector and connection part for liquid at different locations along the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to separate these components. This spatial arrangement in the longitudinal dimension prevents liquid scattered from the connection part from reaching the electrical connector, while still allowing both components to be connected efficiently during the attachment operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection part for liquid and electrical connector are spaced apart from each other, then liquid scatter risk is reduced, but positional displacement occurs due to inclination of attachment posture making simultaneous connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the liquid ejection head to position the connection part for liquid and electrical connector at different longitudinal locations. This dimensional separation reduces liquid scatter risk while maintaining ease of simultaneous connection by ensuring that both components align with their corresponding main body connectors when the liquid ejection head is attached in the correct orientation, without requiring excessive spacing that would cause misalignment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible cable is used for electrical connector, then liquid adhesion to electrical connector is prevented, but the connection operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connector from the flexible cable configuration and implements it as a rigid connector with a dedicated connector housing. This extraction eliminates the need for flexible cables and their associated complex connection operations, while the spatial separation in the longitudinal dimension provides sufficient liquid scatter protection without requiring flexible components.
4Quantity of substance
If the liquid ejection head is made longer to accommodate both connection parts, then both connection parts can be provided, but the head becomes more cumbersome and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection parts along the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head, positioning the connection part for liquid and electrical connector at different longitudinal locations. This segmentation allows both components to be accommodated within a reasonable head length without requiring excessive extension, as they are distributed along the length rather than concentrated at one end.
Data Source
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AI summary
A page-wide liquid ejection head configured to be removably installed in a main body of a liquid ejection apparatus includes a connection part for liquid through which a liquid is supplied from the main body and an electrical connector through which an electric signal is supplied from the main body. In the liquid ejection head, the connection part for liquid and the electrical connector are located at one side of the liquid ejection head in the longitudinal direction and are provided to face different directions from each other.