Flexible Printhead Circuit for Uniform Ink Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink drop ejection in printheads is affected by non-uniformity in drop size and velocity due to contamination and pressure variations, which existing technologies fail to address effectively, leading to printing accuracy issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible circuit with a substantially planar portion, integrated circuits, leads, and arms is used to connect the printhead body to an external circuit, featuring conductive layers and apertures for efficient signal transmission, with an optional interposer for reduced noise and easier assembly, allowing for high-speed and dense signal lines with lower resistance and inductance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional rigid circuits are used to connect printhead body to external circuit, then electrical connection is established, but the circuit is difficult to assemble and may damage the printhead body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circuit board instead of rigid circuits to connect the printhead body to external circuits. The flexible nature of this thin film circuit allows it to conform to the printhead body surface without requiring precise rigid alignment, significantly easing assembly while eliminating damage risk to the fragile printhead body during installation
2Productivity
If signal lines are made dense and high-speed, then printing frequency increases, but noise and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible circuit board as an intermediary between the printhead body and external circuitry. This intermediate structure provides signal routing with inherent shielding and isolation capabilities, allowing dense high-speed signal lines to be laid out while maintaining signal integrity and reducing noise interference through the flexible substrate's natural electromagnetic shielding properties
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board enables signals to be routed in multiple dimensions and layers rather than being constrained to a single plane. This three-dimensional signal routing capability allows high-speed dense signal lines to be organized across multiple flexible layers, reducing electromagnetic interference between adjacent lines while maintaining high printing frequency capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid circuits are used, then structural stability is maintained, but assembly complexity and potential damage to printhead body increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board provides sufficient structural stability through its layered construction and adhesive bonding to the printhead body, while its flexibility eliminates the need for complex rigid mounting structures. The circuit maintains its compositional stability during operation while dramatically simplifying the assembly process compared to rigid circuit alternatives
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible circuit for use within a printhead assembly and to connect a printhead body to an external circuit includes a substantially planar portion having one or more layers of conductive material and having a top surface substantially parallel to a top surface of the printhead body. One or more integrated circuits can be mounted onto the planar portion. Multiple leads extend from each integrated circuit, the leads electrically connected to the printhead body. One or more arms are attached to, and substantially perpendicular to, the planar portion, each arm including one or more external connectors configured to connect to the external circuit.