Fluid Ejecting Head Protective Member for Nozzle Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid ejecting heads face issues with nozzle plate protection against physical damage and electrostatic breakdown, leading to rapid deterioration of wiping members and potential electronic component failure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid ejecting head with a protective member that acts as a heat transfer medium, grounding the nozzle plate and reducing heat loss, while also covering the nozzle surface to prevent impact and ensuring uniform heating of the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wiping member is used to clean the nozzle plate, then the nozzle plate can be cleaned, but the wiping member deteriorates rapidly when it collides with the edge of the nozzle plate
Solution Approach 1:
A protective member is provided that covers the edge of the nozzle plate before the wiping member can collide with it. This protective member acts as a cushioning element that prevents direct contact between the wiping member and the nozzle plate edge, thereby protecting the wiping member from rapid deterioration while maintaining the cleaning function.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle plate is exposed, then it can be accessed for cleaning, but it is vulnerable to physical damage and electrostatic breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the nozzle plate edge from physical damage, provides electrostatic shielding to prevent electrostatic breakdown, and still allows the nozzle plate to be accessed for cleaning operations. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the nozzle plate. It provides physical protection and electrostatic shielding while allowing controlled access for cleaning, thereby mediating between the need for protection and the need for accessibility.
3Productivity
If heat is applied to the fluid, then the fluid viscosity decreases and ejection is improved, but heat loss occurs reducing heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member, which was originally intended to provide mechanical protection and electrostatic shielding, is utilized as a heat transfer medium. The heat generated by the heating unit is transferred through the protective member to the fluid, converting what could have been a source of heat loss into a beneficial heat transfer pathway. This improves heating efficiency while maintaining the protective functions.
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 protects the nozzle plate from physical damage and electrostatic breakdown, maintains uniform fluid viscosity, and enhances heating efficiency, ensuring stable fluid ejection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the heating unit heats the fluid through the protective member and the nozzle plate
Implementation Method 2
the protective member may electrically ground the nozzle plate
Data Source
AI summary
A recording head 4 includes a nozzle plate 22 provided with nozzle openings 23 ejecting ink, a heater 30 heating the ink, and a head cover 40 provided in contact with the nozzle plate 22 and having a predetermined function of protecting the nozzle plate 22. The heater 30 heats the ink through the head cover 40 and the nozzle plate 22.