Flexible Flat Cable Reflective Layer for Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges with radiation noise during high-frequency signal transmission due to the flexible flat cable's movement, which hinders posture changes and increases noise emission.
Innovation Solution
A flexible flat cable with reflective and absorptive layers is used to connect the control board and head board, featuring a conductive sheet on both surfaces to reflect electromagnetic waves and reduce noise, while maintaining flexibility for reciprocating movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an electrically-conductive film is affixed to both surfaces of the FFC to suppress radiation noise, then radiation noise is reduced, but the flexibility and posture changes of the FFC are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing electrically-conductive films only at specific locations (both end portions) of the FFC rather than covering the entire surface. This localized approach suppresses radiation noise at the ends where it is most problematic while preserving the flexibility and posture-changing capability of the central portion of the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The FFC is segmented into different functional zones: the end portions with electrically-conductive films for noise suppression, and the intermediate portions without films for flexibility. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the FFC is made rigid to reduce noise emission, then radiation noise is suppressed, but the ability to accommodate reciprocating movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences along the FFC by adding electrically-conductive films only to the end portions. This provides noise suppression where needed while maintaining the flexible, adaptable nature of the cable in its central region, allowing it to accommodate reciprocating movement of the carriage.
3Speed
If high-frequency signals are transmitted through the FFC to speed up signal transmission, then signal speed is improved, but radiation noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the radiation noise generated by high-frequency signals by applying electrically-conductive films locally at the end portions of the FFC. This targeted approach suppresses the noise without affecting the high-frequency signal transmission capability of the cable's main body, maintaining both speed and noise control.
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 effectively suppresses radiation noise and allows smooth posture changes of the cable, reducing noise leakage and maintaining efficient signal transmission during the carriage's movement.
Implementation Method 1
The cable has a reflective layer at a part of each of both end portions of the first surface with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first surface. The reflective layer is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording head is configured to selectively eject ink droplets from nozzles. A head board is configured to control the recording head to operate based on a high-frequency signal outputted from a control board. A carriage is configured to move in a reciprocating manner, with the recording head and the head board mounted thereon. A belt-like cable connects the control board and the head board so that the high-frequency signal can be transmitted therebetween. The cable has such flexibility that the cable can change a posture following reciprocating movement of the carriage. The cable has a first surface facing in a thickness direction of the cable. The cable has a reflective layer at a part of each of both end portions of the first surface with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first surface. The reflective layer is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave.