Liquid Ejection Head Intermediate Layer Optical Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads face challenges in forming intermediate layers with fine patterns that are difficult to recognize, especially when transparency issues obscure the contours of information display patterns, making it hard to identify the pattern and maintain adhesion between substrate and channel walls.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design featuring an intermediate layer with first and second outer end surfaces forming obtuse and smaller angles respectively, providing a refractive index different from the channel wall member, allowing for easy recognition of symbol patterns and improved adhesion between the substrate and channel walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a blank pattern is formed in the intermediate layer to display information about the inkjet recording head, then information display function is provided, but it becomes difficult to visually recognize the contours of the information display pattern due to transparency issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by forming the intermediate layer with a specific refractive index that creates optical contrast against the channel wall member. This optical contrast enhances the visibility and recognability of the symbol pattern contours, solving the problem where transparency made the patterns difficult to detect.
2Strength
If the intermediate layer end surfaces are made substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface, then adhesion between intermediate layer and channel walls is improved, but the symbol pattern contours become less recognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different surface angle characteristics in different regions of the intermediate layer. The first outer end surfaces form a first angle (obtuse angle) with the substrate surface to enhance symbol contour recognability, while the second outer end surfaces form a second angle (smaller than the first angle) to maintain adhesion. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between recognability and adhesion.
3Manufacturing precision
If the intermediate layer has a finer pattern corresponding to finer channel patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the complexity of forming the intermediate layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the refractive index of the intermediate layer material. By selecting a material with a specific refractive index range (1.45 to 1.65), the patent enhances the optical contrast and visibility of fine patterns without increasing the complexity of the formation process. This parameter optimization enables finer patterns to be manufactured with maintained recognability.
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
The solution enables reliable, easy-to-identify liquid ejection heads with high precision and yield, ensuring effective adhesion and visibility of information patterns, enhancing the recognition of symbols and improving the production process.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate layer disposed between and in contact with a surface of the substrate and the channel wall member and having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the channel wall member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head includes a substrate having an energy-generating device configured to generate energy used for ejecting a liquid from an orifice; a transparent channel wall member forming an inner wall of a channel leading to the orifice; and an intermediate layer disposed between and in contact with a surface of the substrate and the channel wall member and having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the channel wall member. The intermediate layer has a first outer end surface forming contours of a symbol as viewed in a direction from the orifice toward the substrate and making a first angle with the surface of the substrate and a second outer end surface facing the channel and making a second angle with the surface of the substrate. The first angle is an obtuse angle. The second angle is smaller than the first angle.