Liquid Ejection Head Filter Fixing via Thermal Melting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for positioning and fixing filters in liquid ejection heads, such as using pins and holes, can cause filter displacement or deformation, leading to deteriorated performance and dust generation, especially when components are assembled horizontally.

Innovation Solution

A liquid ejection head manufacture method that involves abutting a filter to a melting unit and applying heat to melt and fix it, followed by burying the melting unit with molding material to secure the filter in place, preventing displacement and deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pin and hole method is used to position and fix the filter, then the filter can be positioned in the liquid supply path, but the filter may be displaced or deformed during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter positioningVSAvoidfilter position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pin-and-hole positioning system with a thermal bonding system. The filter is positioned using abutting features for alignment, then fixed through heat-induced melting of a protrusion that bonds the filter to the liquid supply path component, eliminating the need for pins and holes that cause displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the bonding material from solid to molten through temperature changes. A protrusion is heated to its melting point, allowing it to flow and bond the filter to the component, then cools to solidify and secure the filter in position, providing precise positioning without mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a pin is inserted into the filter hole for positioning, then the filter can be fixed, but stress acts on the filter causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter fixingVSAvoidfilter structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical insertion and fastening with thermal bonding. The filter is secured through heat-induced melting of a protrusion that flows around and bonds to the filter, eliminating insertion stress and mechanical fastening forces that compromise filter structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition of the protrusion material from solid to liquid through heating, allowing it to flow and conform to the filter surface, then back to solid upon cooling, creating a strong bond without mechanical stress on the filter structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Ease of manufacture

If the filter is moved horizontally during pin engagement, then assembly can be performed, but the filter displacement occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidfilter position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning through abutting features that align the filter with the liquid supply path component before bonding occurs. This preliminary alignment ensures correct positioning is established before the thermal bonding process secures the filter, preventing displacement during assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pin engagement system with a thermal bonding system that allows horizontal movement during assembly. The filter is positioned using abutting features for alignment, then secured through heat-induced melting of a protrusion, eliminating the constraint of pin insertion that prevents horizontal movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method effectively secures the filter without causing displacement or deformation, maintaining optimal ejection characteristics and dust collection performance.

Implementation Method 1

applying heat to the melting unit via the filter to melt the melting unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

applying heat to the melting unit via the filter to melt the melting unit to thereby fix the filter to the melting unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10150299B2Liquid ejection head manufacture method and liquid ejection head

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 CANON KK

AI summary

When a filter for example is provided in a liquid supply path in the manufacture of a liquid ejection head, the filter can be prevented from being displaced or deformed. A manufacture method of a liquid ejection head having a liquid ejection unit for ejecting liquid and a liquid supply unit for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection unit has a processing of abutting a filter to a melting unit provided in the liquid supply unit and applying heat to the melting unit via the filter to melt the melting unit to thereby fix the filter to the melting unit, and a processing of burying the melting unit fixed to the filter by molding material.