Flexible Flat Cable Ink Mist Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid discharge apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face electrical faults due to ink mist adhering to flexible flat cables, leading to unsuitable electrical connections and potential short circuits, especially when high voltages are applied, and static electricity is generated, causing damage to internal circuits.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a configuration that includes a liquid absorbing member between flexible flat cables to absorb ink mist, preventing it from reaching signal output terminals and using a reinforcing plate on one cable surface to repel water and prevent entry into the head unit, while binding sections can be used to further secure the cables and reduce static electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible flat cables are used to connect the head substrate and main substrate, then electrical signals can be transmitted, but ink mist adheres to the cable surface causing electrical faults and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid absorbing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible flat cable and the ink mist environment. This member absorbs the ink mist before it can adhere to the cable surface, thereby preventing electrical faults while maintaining signal transmission functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A cable cover section is provided that covers the flexible flat cable to prevent ink mist from reaching it. This protective covering acts as a barrier while allowing the cable to maintain its flexibility and electrical connection function
2Ease of operation
If the connection section is left uncovered for electrical connection convenience, then signal lines can be easily connected, but liquid can enter and cause short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The cable cover section is designed to cover only specific portions of the cable where ink mist adhesion is most problematic, while leaving the connection sections accessible. This localized protection approach maintains ease of connection while preventing liquid entry at critical areas
3Device complexity
If multiple cables are bundled together, then space is saved and organization is improved, but static electricity is generated through rubbing causing electrical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage signal line is extracted and separated from the other signal lines within the cable bundle. By isolating this particular line that is most susceptible to static electricity damage, the design prevents electrical faults while maintaining organized cable bundling
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
Effectively suppresses electrical faults and damage caused by ink mist and static electricity, ensuring reliable operation by preventing ink from reaching critical electrical components and reducing the risk of short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid absorbing member provided between a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable
Implementation Method 2
a reinforcing plate on one cable surface to repel water
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus is provided with a first flexible flat cable, a second flexible flat cable, a head unit, and a liquid absorbing member, the head unit includes discharge section which discharges a liquid due to driving signals being applied, a discharge surface which is provided with a discharge opening for discharging the liquid, a first connection section which is connected to the first flexible flat cable, and a second connection section which is connected to the second flexible flat cable, and the liquid absorbing member is provided between the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable.