Embedded Reference Mark in Alignment Jig for Liquid-Jet Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to achieve high accuracy alignment of liquid-jet heads without damaging the reference marks on the glass mask, which are prone to chipping or scarring due to contact, and to minimize the distance between the reference and alignment marks while maintaining precision.
Innovation Solution
An alignment jig and apparatus that incorporates a transparent mask with a reference mark formed within it, acting as both a reference and a spacer, preventing damage and allowing for stable, long-term high accuracy alignment by ensuring a predetermined distance between the marks, and using a bifocal microscope for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reference mark is formed on the surface of the glass mask, then high accuracy alignment can be achieved, but the reference mark is damaged by chipping or scarring due to contact with the liquid-jet head
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mark is nested within the glass mask at a predetermined depth rather than being formed on the surface. This nesting approach protects the reference mark from surface contact damage while maintaining its alignment function, as the mark is embedded inside the mask material itself
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent member (spacer or adhesive layer) is introduced as an intermediary between the mask surface and the liquid-jet head. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the reference mark and the head, eliminating the chipping and scarring problem while allowing optical observation to proceed
2Measurement precision
If the distance between the reference mark and the alignment mark is minimized for high accuracy positioning, then alignment precision improves, but the reference mark becomes more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mark is nested within the glass mask at a predetermined depth, creating a protective buffer zone between the mark and the mask surface. This allows the mark to be positioned close to the alignment mark for high precision while the embedded position protects it from surface contact damage
3Measurement precision
If the magnification of the optical system is increased for high accuracy alignment, then positioning precision improves, but the reference mark must be made smaller and thinner, increasing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mark is nested within the glass mask at a predetermined depth, which provides structural support and protection. This allows the mark to be made smaller and thinner to accommodate higher magnification requirements while the embedding in the mask material prevents chipping and scarring that would occur with surface-mounted thin marks
Solution Approach 2:
The glass mask serves as a composite structure where the reference mark is integrated within the mask material matrix. This composite approach provides both the optical transparency needed for observation and the mechanical strength to protect the embedded reference mark from damage
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment jig for a liquid-jet head, which is used when positioning and joining a nozzle plate and a fixing member, the nozzle plate having nozzle orifices for jetting a liquid of the liquid-jet head and an alignment mark for alignment, the fixing member being adapted to hold a plurality of the liquid-jet heads, the alignment jig comprising a mask which is a transparent member provided with a reference mark for alignment with the alignment mark, the reference mark being formed within the mask.