Liquid Ejection Head Opening Layout for Nozzle Number Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads face issues with nozzle number visibility due to misalignment of protective members and adhesive covering, which can lead to damage from contact with print media and hinder identification of individual nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head design featuring a protective member with aligned openings and print element number identifiers, allowing for reliable nozzle identification and reduced risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective member is added to protect the liquid ejection head from damage, then the reliability of the liquid ejection head is improved, but the print element number may become hidden due to misalignment or adhesive covering
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is segmented with multiple openings that correspond to individual ejection ports, allowing the print element number to be visible through specific openings while maintaining protection over other areas. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and visibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member acts as an intermediary element between the print element substrate and the external environment. It provides protection while incorporating openings that allow visual access to the print element number, thus mediating between the need for protection and the need for identification.
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is used to adhere the protective member, then the protective member is securely fixed, but the adhesive may cover the opening portion and make the nozzle number invisible due to high refractive index
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is localized to specific areas that do not interfere with the visibility of the print element number. The adhesive is applied in regions away from the openings, ensuring that the bonding strength is maintained while the nozzle number remains visible through the openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive application area is segmented to exclude the regions around the openings. This allows the adhesive to provide secure bonding in non-critical areas while leaving the opening areas clear for visual identification of the print element number.
3Reliability
If misalignment of the protective member occurs, then the protective member may still provide general protection, but the nozzle number becomes hidden and cannot be reliably identified
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member incorporates asymmetric features such as positioning protrusions and corresponding recesses that ensure correct alignment. These asymmetric elements prevent misalignment by providing a unique fit, thus maintaining both protection and accurate nozzle number identification.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features are built into the protective member design before assembly. Positioning protrusions and recesses are pre-formed to guide correct placement, preventing misalignment from occurring in the first place and ensuring both protection and visibility are maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head includes a print element substrate having an ejection surface on which a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to print elements for ejecting liquid are formed and a plurality of ejection port arrays formed of a plurality of the ejection ports are formed and a protective member having a plurality of openings and placed on the print element substrate so that the plurality of openings and the plurality of ejection port arrays are aligned so as to correspond to each other, and one or more print element number identifiers for identifying one or more print element numbers assigned to the print elements are at one or more locations above the ejection port arrays and near at least one of the plurality of openings on the protective member.