Elastic Deformation Layer for Liquid Jetting Contact Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid jetting apparatuses, variations in height between contact points on the piezoelectric actuator and the substrate can lead to insufficient adhesion and detachment issues, especially when external forces are applied, limiting the degree of freedom in arranging contact points and inhibiting the deformation of the piezoelectric layer.
Innovation Solution
A liquid jetting apparatus with an elastic deformation layer on the piezoelectric actuator, where the head-side contact points are sandwiched by the piezoelectric actuator and substrate, allowing elastic deformation to restore contact and increase adhesion, even with height variations and external forces, while enabling flexible arrangement of contact points without inhibiting the piezoelectric layer's deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact points are arranged at positions facing the pressure chambers to improve electrical connection, then adhesion between contact points is insufficient and deformation of the piezoelectric layer is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic layer is introduced as an intermediary between the piezoelectric actuator and the substrate. This elastic layer deforms elastically when the piezoelectric layer contracts during operation, maintaining continuous contact between the contact points while allowing the piezoelectric layer to deform freely. The elastic layer thus mediates between the need for stable electrical connection and the need for piezoelectric layer deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic layer changes its shape and thickness dynamically in response to the contraction of the piezoelectric layer. When the piezoelectric layer contracts, the elastic layer deforms elastically to maintain contact pressure, adapting its physical parameters to preserve both electrical connection and piezoelectric deformation capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid substrate is used to improve structural stability, then contact points are liable to detachment under external forces and height variations cause insufficient adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer functions as a flexible thin film that absorbs height variations and external forces through elastic deformation. This flexible layer compensates for dimensional mismatches and mechanical stresses, maintaining reliable contact between the rigid substrate and the piezoelectric actuator despite structural stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic layer serves as a pre-positioned cushioning element between the rigid substrate and piezoelectric actuator. It anticipates and absorbs the effects of external forces and height variations before they can cause contact point detachment or insufficient adhesion, protecting the connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact points are arranged to face each other for direct connection, then the degree of freedom for arrangement is limited and adhesion is insufficient due to height variations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer's flexibility allows contact points to be arranged with greater freedom while maintaining reliable adhesion. The elastic deformation capability of the layer compensates for misalignments and height variations, enabling versatile contact point positioning without sacrificing connection reliability.
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 configuration ensures reliable connection and increased adhesion between contact points, maintains contact despite height variations, and allows for flexible arrangement of contact points without hindering the piezoelectric layer's deformation during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the elastic deformation layer, on which the head-side contact points are arranged, is sandwiched by the piezoelectric actuator and the substrate to undergo elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric actuator including a piezoelectric layer stacked on the channel unit to cover the pressure chambers and a plurality of individual electrodes facing the pressure chambers
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus which includes: a liquid jetting head including a channel unit and a piezoelectric actuator, an elastic deformation layer arranged on the piezoelectric actuator, a plurality of head-side contact points arranged on the elastic deformation layer, a substrate arranged to face a surface of the liquid jetting head, a plurality of substrate-side contact points arranged on the substrate, and a fixing member fixing the liquid jetting head and the substrate. When the fixing member fixes the liquid jetting head and the substrate, a portion of the elastic deformation layer, on which the head-side contact points are arranged, is sandwiched by the piezoelectric actuator and the substrate to undergo elastic deformation. The elastic deformation layer is configured to press the plurality of head-side contact points onto the substrate-side contact points by a force arising from a tendency to restore a state before elastic deformation.