Ejection Orifice Forming Member via Photoacid Diffusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing ejection orifice forming members with counterbore shapes are complex and inefficient, particularly in ink jet recording heads, as they require bonding and subsequent laser processing of layers, which complicates the production process.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the formation of a laminate with a first and second negative photosensitive resin layer, subjected to exposure and heat treatment, where the acid diffusion length of the first photoacid generator is greater than the second, allowing for the formation of an ejection orifice with a counterbore shape through controlled solvent boiling points and photoacid generator selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bonding and laser processing are used to produce ejection orifice with counterbore shape, then the orifice shape can be achieved, but the production process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensitive resin layer is divided into multiple layers with different photoacid generators, where each layer contributes to forming a specific portion of the counterbore shape. The first photoacid generator forms the outer diameter portion while the second photoacid generator forms the inner diameter portion, allowing complex geometry to be achieved through segmented photochemical reactions rather than complex mechanical processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bonding and laser processing steps with a photochemical process. By using multiple photosensitive resin layers with different photoacid generators that have different acid diffusion lengths, the counterbore shape is formed through controlled photoacid diffusion and solvent boiling during development, eliminating the need for mechanical bonding and laser processing operations
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple photoacid generators with different acid diffusion lengths are used, then the counterbore shape can be precisely controlled, but the resin layer composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the photosensitive resin layer are assigned different photoacid generators with specific local functions. The first photoacid generator is positioned to generate acid for forming the outer diameter of the counterbore, while the second photoacid generator is positioned to generate acid for forming the inner diameter. This local differentiation of photoacid generator properties enables precise control of the counterbore shape at different locations within the same layer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the photoacid generators, specifically their different acid diffusion lengths, to control the formation of different portions of the ejection orifice. By selecting photoacid generators with appropriately different diffusion characteristics, the counterbore shape parameters (outer diameter, inner diameter, depth) can be precisely controlled through a single photoexposure and development process without requiring complex multi-step processing
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 simplifies the production of ejection orifice forming members with counterbore shapes, enhancing ejection efficiency and preventing damage from contact with wiping mechanisms, while allowing for precise control of acid diffusion lengths to achieve desired orifice diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a first negative photosensitive resin layer that contains a first photoacid generator; and a second negative photosensitive resin layer that is formed on the first negative photosensitive resin layer and contains a second photoacid generator
Implementation Method 2
the first photoacid generator in the first latent image has an acid diffusion length greater than the acid diffusion length of the second photoacid generator in the second latent image
Implementation Method 3
performing heat treatment after the exposure
Implementation Method 4
allowing for the formation of an ejection orifice with a counterbore shape through controlled solvent boiling points
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing an ejection orifice forming member including the steps of forming a laminate including a first negative photosensitive resin layer that contains a first photoacid generator, and a second negative photosensitive resin layer that is formed on the first negative photosensitive resin layer and contains a second photoacid generator; forming a first latent image and a second latent image on the first negative photosensitive resin layer and the second negative photosensitive resin layer, respectively, by collectively subjecting the first negative photosensitive resin layer and the second negative photosensitive resin layer to exposure; performing a heat treatment after the exposure; and forming the ejection orifice by a development treatment. The first photoacid generator in the first latent image has an acid diffusion length greater than the acid diffusion length of the second photoacid generator in the second latent image.